With more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2030, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May as Professional Trades Month.

The annual observance honors hard-working Michiganders in professional trades while encouraging students and adults to explore education and career opportunities leading to high-wage, in-demand careers.

Businesses across Michigan need highly skilled workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, mobility and outdoor recreation.

Many of these high-demand, high-wage careers do not require a four-year degree and have pathways that focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships.

Michigan provides several resources that support career awareness and exploration for those interested in pursuing a new or different professional opportunity, including Pathfinder, Michigan's free online career exploration tool.

Those who are ready to find their next professional trades job should go to MiTalent.org to explore open positions from verified employers.