Fueling talent partners
Macomb County is actively engaged with many partners to develop and support initiatives that expose students to career possibilities and point them to educational pathways that lead to meaningful employment.
MARZ
Macomb Automation and Robotics Zone, formerly the Macomb County Robotics Collaboration and Innovation Center supports a talent pipeline for the robotics sector and advanced robotics efforts in Southeast Michigan. Its mission is to partner with businesses, educational organizations, nonprofits and startups to offer tools, programs, expert assistance and open access to an independent, digital- and electronic-based environment for creative people.
MISD
Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) maintains Michigan’s most robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Through a system of 21 public school districts, there are 28 high schools where students can pursue a wide array of interests, ranging from agriculture to transportation logistics. Visit the MISD’s Macomb Engage to learn more.
Early College of Macomb
Early College of Macomb, offered to every high school junior in the county through Macomb Community College, the Early College of Macomb is the state’s largest and most successful program. This three-year, career-focused initiative allows students to take college courses with no out-of-pocket costs for books, fees or tuition.
Romeo Community Schools Ford Next Generation Learning
Romeo Community Schools is Michigan’s first Ford Next Generation Learning Community. The Academies at Romeo enable students to choose a thematic course of study – such as engineering, health care or information technology – and learn in a relevant, hands-on environment. Students learn math, science, English and social studies within the theme they choose.
The Academies of Center Line Ford Next Generation Learning
The Academies of Center Line is an innovative learning environment that puts students first. Featuring small learning communities, the program offers students exposure to a multitude of careers, industry skills and potential employers through classroom speakers, site visits, job shadowing and internships. Funneling through two pathways – either the Academy of Industry, Technology and Innovation or the Health and Human Services Academy, the strategic plan for the district is for all Center Line High School graduates to exit with an industry-recognized certification and/or college credit.
Regional events
Manufacturing Day
MFG Day is a national event held on the first Friday of October, every year. It is manufacturing's biggest opportunity to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in modern manufacturing. Macomb County Planning & Economic Development partners with the Macomb Intermediate School District, along with an active planning committee and generous sponsors, to coordinate one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Since 2014, more than 16,000 students have participated. Learn more here.
AUTO STEAM Days
This family friendly event, held at Macomb Community College in conjunction with STEAM partners, features hands-on exhibits, information about related college and training programs and an opportunity to meet with area employers to learn about their hiring and retention programs.
To be offered Dec. 6-7, 2023, at the MCC South Campus, Sports & Expo Center P Building, employers are asked to participate in a two-day, hands-on opportunity for students to explore careers in automotive design, robotics, manufacturing and technology. Registration is required.
MiCareerQuest Southeast
Michigan Works! offices from across the region partner to host, MiCareerQuest Southeast on Nov. 14, 2023, an event for 10,000 students at the Novi Suburban Showplace. This event provides hands-on activities related to career exploration in four quadrants: construction, information technology, advanced manufacturing and health sciences. Involved employers will provide experiences and sponsorship.