Getting Oakland County teens revved up about their future. That’s the goal of Junior Achievement’s “Journey to Jobs” Auto Expo, held today at Ultimate Soccer in Pontiac.
More than 400 students from nine high schools participated, taking a ride in the fast lane towards career readiness, meeting with more than a dozen automotive and manufacturing executives hoping to steer new recruits their way.
Mark Bole, President of GM Financial International Operations, says many don’t realize the variety of careers available within the auto industry.
“You can be in Finance like us, design, autonomous vehicles needs engineers, the opportunities are endless,” says Bole.
Split into groups, students spent 20 minutes with each company, giving them a chance to see which line of work gets their motor running.
The state of Michigan says 15,000 new tradespeople a year are needed to enter the workforce and demand for engineers will soon be in overdrive.
“Autonomous vehicles, all the new technology, robots that is the place to be,” says Elizabeth Griffith, Director of Engineering at Faurecia Interiors.
“And you're going to double your pay,” Griffith adds.
High school students spent the day soaking up knowledge and potential future employers encouraged pedal to the metal pursuit of education.
