Wayne RESA Career Currents
Wayne RESA's Career Resources & Information for Fall 2026
Wayne RESA’s Workforce Development Department delivers timely career and postsecondary planning resources to Wayne County students, families, and educators. Working alongside local schools, we streamline access to pathways that drive student success beyond high school
📩 Sign Up to receive Future Newsletters directly to your email 📩
💡 Career Highlights 💡
Manufacturing Day 2026
More than 40 schools across Wayne County participated in Manufacturing Day, giving students firsthand exposure to advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and high-demand career opportunities. Through visits to local manufacturing facilities and postsecondary partners, students explored careers in engineering, robotics, automation, skilled trades, and other critical industries driving Michigan’s economy.
Manufacturing Day connects students with industry professionals and educators, helping them understand the skills and training needed for successful careers in modern manufacturing. The experience highlighted the strong partnership between education and industry while inspiring the next generation of talent to pursue rewarding, high-wage careers that will help shape the workforce of tomorrow.
📋 Career Readiness 📋
Drone Discovery Series
This 12-week program provides high school seniors (Class of 2027) with hands-on experience using drone technology, exposure to aviation careers, and the opportunity to earn the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
Seniors will meet employers and explore career opportunities where drones and aviation are being used in fields such as construction, public safety, engineering, energy, agriculture, logistics, and more. There is $0 cost to students (fully funded by Schoolcraft College and the Wayne County Coalition for Future Aviation Professionals). Students and parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from all program sessions; attending all sessions is required.
Dates: Saturdays Feb 6, 2027 - April 24, 2027
Location: LIFT (Detroit), Grosse Ile Airport, or Coleman A. Young International Airport
Seniors must complete all sections of this application to be considered.
👀 Career Awareness 👀
2026 Careers In Energy Week
During Careers in Energy Week (CIEW,) Michigan’s energy companies and educators team up to create awareness for students and jobseekers around the rewarding careers in the energy sector.
Michigan’s energy industry accounts for more than 518,300 energy-related careers with total demand projected to increase to approximately 40,600 annual openings professional trades projected by 2032. With a wide range of careers from lineworker to pipefitters to a power plant operator there is sure to be a career in energy that is right for you.
Possible Career paths include:
Watch Energy Career Vignettes from 2025
In 2025, MEWDC hosted three 30-minute virtual career snapshots designed to introduce key areas and insights within the energy industry.
- Pathways & Possibilities: How to Start a Career In Energy
- Powering the Future: Careers In Clean Energy & Sustainability
- Exploring Skilled Trades & Technical Careers In Energy
Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2034
This publication highlights Michigan’s high-demand, high-wage careers that show a favorable mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual job openings, and median wages through 2034.
🏆 Postsecondary Success 🏆
Common Questions High School Counselors Hear from Students and Parents
High school counselors play an important role in helping students navigate life after graduation. Whether students plan to attend college, enter the workforce, or explore training opportunities, both teens and parents often have similar concerns. Here are some of the most common questions counselors are asked—and the answers we typically provide.
1. What are my options after high school besides college?
Students often want to know what paths exist outside of traditional four-year degrees. There are options such as skilled trades, community college, apprenticeships, military service, and direct-to-work employment. Success depends on a student’s interests, skills, and long-term goals.
2. How can I figure out what career is right for me?
Counselors use interest surveys, values matcher, and career exploration tools to help students identify strengths and preferences. They encourage job shadowing, internships, and volunteer work as real-world experiences to guide decision-making.
3. How do I prepare for college applications?
Parents and students ask about timelines for testing, applications, and financial aid. Counselors provide checklists, review transcripts, and guide students through essay writing, recommendation requests, and FAFSA completion.
4. Are there careers that don’t require student debt?
Families increasingly want to know about affordable career paths. Counselors highlight options such as trade certifications, apprenticeships that pay while training, and employer-sponsored programs that cover education costs. Also, the state of Michigan is currently offering the Community College Guarantee, which is a way for students to attend their in-district community college tuition-free!
5. How can I get job-ready before graduation?
Students often want part-time work or resume-building experiences. Counselors help them create resumes, practice interviewing skills, and connect with local employers through job fairs or school partnerships.
Brought to you by: Brad Minton Wayne RESA's Postsecondary Success Navigator
Hear directly from former Wayne County Students - Grad Voices 🎓🔊
🩹 Wellness Corner 🩹
Academic & Workplace Mental Health - Combating Imposter Syndrome in New Environments
Stepping into a new high school CTE lab, joining a student club, trying a new elective, or starting a first part-time job can trigger a persistent inner voice: "What if everyone here knows more than me?" This is imposter syndrome—the feeling that you aren't smart or capable enough to be there. It thrives when trying new activities, but you can dismantle it with simple habits.
3 Action Techniques to Reframe Self-Doubt
Build a "Win Folder": Keep a physical folder or phone album of positive feedback—a graded project you pushed through, praise from a supervisor or advisor, or a skill you mastered in a club. Revisit it whenever self-doubt creeps in.
Name the "Beginner Curve": Separate feelings from facts. Starting college, picking a new elective or starting your first part-time job can feel overwhelming, remind yourself that feeling inexperienced is a natural part of being a beginner, not a sign of failure.
Connect with a Peer: Talk to a fellow student in your CTE class or new school club. Discovering that others share the exact same worries strips imposter syndrome of its power.
3 Valid Resources for Support
School Counseling Department: School counselors offer guidance on balancing academics, extra-curriculars, and personal well-being.
Stop, Breathe & Think / Change to Chill: Free mindfulness and emotional regulation resources tailored for youth (https://www.changetochill.org/).
APA Mind/Body Health Resources: The American Psychological Association (apa.org) offers evidence-based guides on managing youth anxiety and self-doubt.
🔦 Workforce Spotlight 🔦
Every newsletter we'll shine the light on a different career field with our Workforce Spotlight!
Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces
Hydrologists research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Consider employment or an apprenticeship with GLWA (Great Lakes Water Authority)
No matter what step your student is at in their career journey, these guides have important links & resources to help them move towards success.
The SEMCA Michigan Works! Registered Apprenticeship Guide helps students, job seekers, employers, educators, and workforce partners explore Registered Apprenticeship opportunities throughout Monroe and Out-Wayne counties.
The Guide explains how Registered Apprenticeship works and highlights 65 occupations across a range of industries, along with information and resources to help individuals take the next step
4-Year University Action Plan
Follow the steps needed to apply and enroll in a four-year university. Click on to Wayne RESA's Workforce Development Career Resources page for action plans towards all postsecondary pathways: Skilled Trades, 2-Year, 4-Year, Military, Gap Year and Workforce (available in Arabic & Spanish). Follow this page down to 'Planning Resources'.
October is Michigan College Month! A majority of our institutions never have an application fee, and others have agreed to waive their fees in October. It’s a great time for students in the class of 2027 to make plans and submit some applications!
Learn more about all of Michigan’s public and private, 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities at qrcodes.pro/miu
💲 FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid 💲
Along with the launch in October of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to request financial help for the 2027-28 year, the Michigan Student Scholarship & Grant (MiSSG) department will be providing financial aid & resources to the Class of 2027 & their caregivers. Sign up for one of the virtual presentations below to get information on how to take advantage of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship & Community College Guarantee!
Students and families looking for help paying for college can attend a recording of our Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by MI Student Aid.
Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:
- FAFSA application information
- Federal financial aid programs
- State financial aid programs
- Scholarship searching resources
Register by selecting a date below:
High school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are encouraged to watch a recording of an informational webinar provided by MI Student Aid.
Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
Upcoming Virtual Informational Sessions
Register by selecting a date below:
📅 Upcoming Events 📅
Career Events Available to Wayne County Students
Find more events & resources below, and follow us on social media!
Scan the QR code or click on the image.
