Houghton, MI – [September 25, 2026] – Are you looking for a career-building opportunity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Whether you’re looking to return to your old roots, relocate, or take the next step in building your career, Return North is designed to make that happen.
MTEC SmartZone is excited to announce the 10th annual Return North career fair will be returning this fall! Return North is a year-round platform built to serve and assist those looking to find career-building opportunities right here in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. It is also designed to help regional employers attract and retain talent required to grow.
This year, Return North is expanding its virtual career fair to a week-long event. This allows for both job seekers and employers more time and flexibility to connect on their own respective schedules. After registering, participants will be able to explore opportunities and view the availability of participating U.P employers. From there, employers and job seekers can schedule one-on-one virtual conversations at times that work best for both parties. Employers will also have the opportunity to review resumes and connect with potential candidates who may be a good fit for their open roles. All participants can join from anywhere, making it easier to explore U.P.-based career opportunities and create connections regardless of location. Registration is free for job seekers, and employers can participate for a $200 fee.
To increase awareness of Return North, MTEC is hosting the event in collaboration with event partners Headwaters North and Invest UP to better connect job seekers and employers across the region. We are also proud to announce that Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is joining the effort as the event sponsor to help expand the program’s reach throughout the entire Upper Peninsula.
To register for this year’s virtual career fair, click HERE.
To register as an employer, click HERE.
To learn more about Return North, visit their website HERE.
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About MTEC SmartZone
MTEC SmartZone is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to accelerating high-tech business growth in the Western Upper Peninsula. Established in 2003, MTEC is one of 20 statewide SmartZones supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Through mentorship, direct grants, specialized programming, technical support, and other services, MTEC client companies have contributed over 1,110 jobs, $91.8 million in sales and revenue. MTEC has helped these companies realize over $594 million in follow-on funding. For more information, visit our website at mtecsz.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, or email us at mtec@mtecsz.com.
About Headwaters North
Headwaters North is the Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone and the innovation hub for Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. Headquartered at the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at Lake Superior State University, Headwaters North supports founders, small business owners, and resource-powered innovators across Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties. The organization’s work spans six priority sectors: blue economy and freshwater technology, natural resources, outdoor recreation, energy, air mobility and skilled trades. Under Small Business Support Hubs 2.0, Headwaters North serves as the Eastern Upper Peninsula sub-hub within the MTEC SmartZone-led Region 1 coalition. Learn more at headwatersnorth.org.
About Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
UP Michigan Works! (UPMW) is a driving force in the competitive world of workforce development and economic prosperity and serves the 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We connect employers, job seekers, training institutions, partners, and the community to maximize state and federal workforce resources. We support businesses to recruit, upskill and retain top talent, and we coach individuals to be better employees. Through workforce development, we help people and business Get Ready to Win!
About Invest UP
InvestUP is the regional economic development organization for the Upper Peninsula, working to advance prosperity across all fifteen counties of the U.P. Leveraging the region’s strengths, assets, and stakeholders, it works in partnership with the private sector, municipal and non-profit leadership, and institutions to drive the Upper Peninsula’s economy by seizing near-term opportunities and addressing long term strategic objectives that center on people, projects, place, and promotion. Investupmi.com.
Media Contact
Allison Szlachta, Marketing Manager, MTEC SmartZone, aszlachta@mtecsz.com