Career Counseling Corner

Wayne RESA's Career Counselors & Postsecondary Navigator bring you up-to-date information to help assist your child on their career journey. With the support of our local schools, we aim to provide resources leading to career and postsecondary success for all Wayne County students.

Here’s what students took away from the day:

“Knowing the availability of getting into a trade school or college.”

“One thing I found helpful today was learning about police and nursing career opportunities.”

“I learned more about what people in medical training go through. I thought the robots were cool.”

“You can do dual enrollment and attend community college for free.“

* Quotes Taken from Backpacks to Briefcases student surveys.

Next Steps for Continued Success

As the event concluded, Career Counselors immediately began assessing student knowledge using exit surveys. Upcoming family surveys will further measure community awareness and help counselors link households to external mentorship programs. Looking ahead, counselors will facilitate targeted check-in sessions once these students matriculate to supported high schools, tracking how this exposure shapes their enrollment in CTE and future career planning.

Short-term training programs provide a quick path to in-demand careers with strong job prospects. Here are some fields that offer excellent opportunities:

• Healthcare: Roles like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), medical assistants, phlebotomists, and medical coding/billing specialists are in high demand. Training can range from a few weeks to about a year, depending on the role. See Wayne County Short-Term Training Programs on this resource

• Technology: Web development, IT support, cybersecurity, and data analytics are rapidly growing fields. Bootcamps or certifications can be completed in a few months and often lead to well-paying jobs in tech. See Short-Term Training options here

• Skilled Trades: Electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers are always needed. Short-term programs typically take 6 months to a year to gain the skills necessary for apprenticeships or entry-level roles. Consider pre-apprenticeship programs like Grow Detroit Young Talent, MRCC's BuildMIFuture Summer Camp, an entry-level job or the construction program at WCCCD's Regional Training Center

• Business & Finance: Certifications in project management, accounting, and sales/marketing (like digital marketing or SEO) open doors to roles in various industries. See Wayne County Training Opportunities

• Logistics: Forklift operator certification and supply chain management programs typically take a few weeks to months, and there’s constant demand for professionals in warehouses and distribution centers. Consider the CDL-A License training program at WCCCD's Regional Training Center

• Manufacturing: Short-term training (a few weeks to months) can lead to high-demand roles like machinists, welders, industrial maintenance technicians, assembly line workers, quality control inspectors, and 3D printing technicians, all offering steady job opportunities and career growth. See Wayne County Training Programs

These roles offer the potential for good salaries and growth, making short-term training a valuable option for those looking to quickly enter the workforce. See if the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship can be used towards your student's career training.

Every newsletter we'll shine the light on a different career field with our Workforce Spotlight!

Emergency Medical Technicians are first responders who assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. The healthcare industry is a surging career field with many job openings and room for growth with additional education & training. See Summer Camps & Opportunities for healthcare related camps & volunteering.

Learn more by watching below:

Proactively making time for health & wellness assists our students in achieving their career & postsecondary goals. In every newsletter, we'll offer tips & resources to help keep you & your student's wellness a priority.

Summer gives students a break from school, homework, and daily pressure. That free time can be great, but it can also turn into boredom or too much screen time. Hobbies give students a better option: something fun, calming, and meaningful to do.

Hobbies can help lower stress and improve mood. Whether it’s playing basketball, drawing, baking, reading, dancing, or building something, doing an activity you enjoy gives your brain a healthy break. It can help students feel more focused, relaxed, and balanced during a busy season.

When students practice a skill and get better at it, they start to trust themselves more. That sense of progress matters; they build confidence. Even small wins can make summer feel productive and help students feel good about what they can do.

Another benefit is connection. Some hobbies are done with friends, family, or community groups. That can help students feel less alone and more supported. Even solo hobbies can give students a sense of identity and independence.

Hobbies can also point students toward future goals. A student who enjoys writing might explore journalism. A student who likes designing things might think about art or engineering. A student who enjoys helping others might look into teaching or health care. A hobby can be the first clue to career direction.

They also build a challenge mindset. Learning something new takes patience, and not everything will be easy at first. But sticking with a hobby teaches students how to handle mistakes, keep going, and grow through effort. That mindset helps in school, jobs, sports, and life.

This summer, students can use their free time in a way that helps both their minds and their futures. One good hobby can do a lot.

Starting your first job? Working after school? Michigan law protects you. That means:

• You must be paid correctly and on time
• There are limits on how many hours you can work
• Your job must be safe
• If you get hurt at work, you have benefits

• Work Permits
• Hours & Breaks
• Hazardous Jobs
• Supervision

No matter what step your student is at in their career journey, these guides have important links & resources to help them move towards success.

High school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are encouraged to attend an informational webinar provided by MI Student Aid.

DAPCEP summer camp students either live and learn on campus for two to four weeks in summer residential camps or commute during the week for camp at sites throughout Southeastern Michigan

CCS offers youth & teen classes and free online workshops. These are great ways for students to learn more about their majors & a future career in:

• * Entertainment Arts - Animation
• * Entertainment Arts - Game Design
• * Art Education
• * Illustration
• * Interior Design
• * Film
• * Communication Design
• * Photography
• * Product Design

.... and more

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