Michigan Business Beat | Krista Johnson, LEO Reviews June - Youth Employment Month in Michigan

Chris Holman welcomes Krista Johnson, Deputy Director for Workforce Development at Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). June is Youth Employment Month in Michigan. With an estimated 260,500 young people ages 16 to 19 expected to join the workforce this summer, how is LEO preparing and supporting them as they take that step? What programs does LEO offer to help young people explore new opportunities and successfully find a job in today’s workforce? Why is it important for Michigan to support youth in finding jobs and exploring career opportunities? Looking ahead, how does investing in youth employment today strengthen Michigan’s workforce and economy in the future? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ LANSING, Mich. — With an estimated 260,500 Michigan youth, ages 16-19, expected to participate in the state’s workforce this summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed June 2025 as Youth Employment Month. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is celebrating this observance by helping more young people take their first steps into the workforce. “Helping young people succeed today means a stronger Michigan tomorrow,” said Susan Corbin, Director of LEO. “Young workers bring energy, new ideas and a willingness to learn. When given the opportunity, they grow into confident contributors who strengthen businesses and build more resilient communities. At the same time, employers benefit by filling talent gaps, fueling local economies, and developing the next generation of Michigan’s workforce.” To support their career planning, youth are encouraged to explore Pathfinder – Michigan’s free online resource for career and education exploration. By using current labor market trends, wage data and education metrics, Pathfinder helps young people build personalized roadmaps that connect them with career and education opportunities. LEO offers programs that promote equal access to career exploration and employment for youth with disabilities. Programs offered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) include BSBP Pre-Employment Transition Services, BSBP Youth Low Vision Services and MRS Young Adult Services. MRS also provides training and technical support to businesses that host youth with disabilities during summer programs, helping to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. “LEO partners with employers, schools and community organizations to ensure youth gain hands-on experience in high-demand industries, build professional networks, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These early experiences lay the foundation for long-term success in the workforce.” Michigan is a leader in introducing creative and effective programs that help Michiganders and employers succeed. While servicing more workforce participants than any state in the U.S, Michigan is #3 in the nation and #1 in the Midwest in the percentage of workers added to the workforce. Building a strong workforce is essential to growing Michigan’s middle class and ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to not just get by but live happy and successful lives. On May 29, Michigan’s Wage and Hour Division together with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division hosted a webinar to provide important youth employment information and answered questions for young job seekers, schools, parents and employers.