County’s Leon Works Expo Connects Hundreds of Students with High-Demand Career Opportunities
Today, Leon County Government and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) connected more than 550 high school students in the Big Bend region to local skilled workforce opportunities at the 11th Annual Leon Works Expo. Students from Leon and Liberty counties explored high-demand career paths and engaged directly with more than 100 employers in the areas of health, business and information technology, creative, trade, and more.
“The Leon Works Expo gives students a front-row seat of some to the fastest-growing, high-demand careers in our region,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “Success doesn’t follow a single path, and not every journey requires a four-year degree. This event highlights the many opportunities available for students to build meaningful, rewarding careers right here in our community.”
Held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the Expo transformed the venue into an immersive career-readiness experience, focused on bridging the skilled workforce gap. 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.
“With Leon County’s economy continuing to grow, it’s important that we prepare our local students for the opportunities that are and will be available in our community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The Leon Works Expo demonstrates the County’s commitment to uplifting our community long term through facilitating economic opportunity and talent development.”
Leon County recognizes that the key to a strong community is equipping citizens with the skills necessary to compete in the growing, evolving 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 help students define their own success.
“The Leon Works Expo is helping redefine how students and families think about career success,” said OEV Director Keith Bowers. “These opportunities are essential careers that strengthen our community and drive our economy forward. We’re proud to support an initiative that inspires students and connects them with real opportunities for the future.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Leon Works Expo has been a cornerstone for developing the region’s future workforce, connecting more than 9,000 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 Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community Relations and Resilience, at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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