LANSING — For the first time, the Future Automotive Career Exposition will be part of NAIAS, located in AutoMobili-D part of the auto show in Detroit’s Cobo Hall. The expo will be open Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, the first two public days of the auto show. Attendees will hear from employers, educators and government leaders about what skills are needed for great careers in the automotive industry, and where people can get training they need for these jobs.

“We are thrilled to showcase the great job opportunities in Michigan – and show what we are doing to continue developing a skilled workforce, to continue attracting employers to our state, and help businesses already in Michigan to grow and thrive,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development. “Hundreds of thousands of people attend NAIAS because they love cars. Now they’ll have a chance to learn how they can be a part of this exciting, evolving industry.”

After hearing from the experts, people looking for careers in the automotive and mobility sectors also will able to connect with links to jobs pages from participating companies to see what positions are open and how they can apply

The event is a partnership between TED, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and NAIAS. Entrance to AutoMobili-D is included in the event’s admission price, though up to 500 people can attend the career expo for free by obtaining a FACE ticket at the show.

Michigan remains the heart of the auto industry,  officials said and is home to 75 percent of the world’s automotive research and development. Local employers, especially those in the automotive and mobility sectors, are looking for people to fill jobs, especially positions requiring science, technology, engineering and math skills.

AutoMobili-D includes automakers, suppliers and startups – all essential parts of Michigan’s automotive heritage and future.

“NAIAS attracts people from all over the world, so it’s very possible that people attending the auto show will look for jobs in Michigan and want to move here,” Curtis said. “We have great jobs available in all industries and the quality of life and affordability that make Michigan an attractive place to live, work, and play.”

Curtis said FACE is another aspect of Michigan’s efforts to grow and develop talent, and make people more aware of the opportunities for good jobs. Michigan employers are looking to fill high-skill jobs in many industries, with about 85,000 jobs posted on mitalent.org. Event organizers said the cause, in part, is an awareness gap – people not knowing the types of careers that are in demand, or having outdated perceptions of modern manufacturing and professional trades.

Many of the companies on display as part of AutoMobili-D are hiring. Applications for employment may be made through each company’s website.