County Introduces 1,000+ Students to Skilled Workforce Opportunities at Leon Works Expo
Today, Leon County Government and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Opportunity connected more than 1,000 high school students to local skilled workforce opportunities at the 10th Annual Leon Works Expo. Students from Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson, Calhoun, Madison, and Taylor counties explored high-demand career paths and engaged directly with nearly 80 employers in the areas of health, business and information technology, creative, trade and more.
“The Leon Works Expo gives students a front-row seat to some of the fastest-growing and most rewarding careers in our region,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “Whether it’s in healthcare, information technology, public safety, or the skilled trades, these careers offer real opportunities for success, financial security, and long-term growth.”
Held at the FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the Expo transformed the venue into an immersive career readiness experience, focused on bridging the skilled workforce gap of the future. Students participated in interactive exhibits, attended breakout sessions hosted by CareerSource Capital Region, and experienced real-world demonstrations in industries, such as aviation, construction, and emergency medical services.
“Our goal with the Leon Works Expo is simple: open doors,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Not every path to success runs through a four-year college. This event shows students the many ways they can find meaningful work and build a future, right here in our community.”
Leon County recognizes that the key to a strong community is equipping citizens with the skills necessary to compete in the growing and changing skilled job market. By 2032, more than 38,000 jobs that require education beyond high school but not a four-year degree with average wages of more than $22 per hour will be available in Leon County and the surrounding region. These positions are vital to the region’s economic future, and Leon Works builds on the County’s continued efforts to define their own success.
“The Leon Works Expo helps redefine how students and families think about career success,” said Keith Bowers, Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality. “These are not just jobs. They are meaningful careers that are vital to our community and economy. We’re proud to be part of an effort that inspires students and equips them with the tools to pursue these opportunities.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Leon Works Expo has been a cornerstone for developing the region’s future workforce, connecting more than 8,000 high school students with more than 600 local employers, academic institutions, and workforce development organizations. The event continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening local talent pipelines and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals for success.
For more information, contact Maegen Wynn, Office of Economic Vitality, at 850-300-7565 / MWynn@OEVforBusiness.org.
|