AASHTO Journal - Michigan DOT Brings Back ‘Career Fest’ Outreach Event

The Michigan Department of Transportation is bringing back its “Career Fest” on July 22-23, offering the public an opportunity to explore – via in-person and virtual sessions – a wide range of transportation careers and connect agency professionals.

[Above photo by Michigan DOT]

Now in its second year, Career Fest has grown significantly, with Michigan DOT partnering with Lansing Community College-West Campus to accommodate high demand and ensure participants have ample space to explore all the opportunities available.

“The response to last year’s Career Fest made it clear people are eager to learn about careers at Michigan DOT,” said noted Bradley Wieferich, Michigan DOT director, in a statement. “Thanks to our partnership with Lansing Community College, we’ve expanded the event to welcome even more attendees and continue building a strong pipeline of transportation talent.”

Across the country, state departments of transportation are involved in a wide array of career outreach events.

For example, in March, the Division of Aviation within the North Carolina Department of Transportation awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to 12 airports to host aviation and aerospace-themed summer academies for kindergarten through 12th grade students.

The academies funded by these state-funded grants help inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts, the agency said – engaging students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life.

In September 2024, the Hawaii Department of Transportation held its 16th annual “Hawaii Construction Career Days” event for middle and high school students at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

The agency said its yearly “Construction Career Days” event aims to provide students a “practical and valuable” firsthand look at career and educational opportunities available in Hawaii’s construction industry.

And in August 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation launched a new science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM education program aimed at promoting interest in transportation careers to high school students; an initiative based on the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions program offered through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The North Dakota DOT noted at the time it met with teachers at the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Professional Development Conference to present and demonstrate STEM modules that are available to schools at no cost.