LANSING — Job seekers in the state now have access to Career Explorer, a new career exploration resource on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC). Any individual who has a free account on PMTC can now take advantage of this new feature, which helps them create a customized career plan based on their goals and experiences.

PMTC is the state’s system for connecting job seekers and employers. Career Explorer is available when logging into job seeker accounts at MiTalent.org.

“This resource was created with the intention of helping residents access better jobs, as well as education and training opportunities,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training. “The tool provides recommendations tailored to individuals’ needs, aimed at setting them up for success in the labor market.”

Case managers within the Michigan Works! network also have access to Career Explorer and are available to support job seekers enrolled in workforce programs further access the tool and support individuals in implementing their customized career plans.

“Training and education help people obtain better jobs,” said Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Explorer customizes this journey for our clients, so we can help them reach their professional goals more quickly.”

Another benefit of career and educational advancement is information to move towards increased earnings. There is often a strong connection between postsecondary education and earnings increase for many Americans. PMTC’s Career Explorer is effective for those pursuing their first job or those interested in making a career change. It can help users pinpoint certifications and/or degrees they may want to pursue to advance their career.

Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Explorer leverages data-driven information to help job seekers make better career decisions in a changing economy, particularly those looking to upgrade their skills or find a new career. The new tool is a part of the national initiative Data for the American Dream (D4AD) project and was developed by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.

Providing tools and information that help Michigan citizens identify and pursue education and training opportunities aligns with Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate to 60% by 2030.

To start using PMTC’s Career Explorer, visit MiTalent.org/Career-Exploration. Individuals may also contact their local Michigan Works! office to take advantage of this new online tool.