Leon County, OEV Connect Hundreds to Skilled Career Opportunities at Eighth Annual Leon Works Expo

Today, the Leon Works Expo, hosted by Leon County Government and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, connected more than 700 high school students from the Big Bend region with academic institutions, private businesses, non-profit agencies, and public sector partners to explore emerging skilled career opportunities in the Big Bend region.
 
"It’s important that we ensure that our workforce of the future knows about the in-demand, high-paying skilled career opportunities that are available to them that don’t require a four-year degree,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. "We are extremely proud to provide this Expo to our local high school students each year so that they can learn about skilled careers and the necessary training they need to succeed.”
 
By 9 a.m., hundreds of high school juniors and seniors from Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, and Jefferson counties engaged with more than 100 exhibitors who were excited to provide insight on their industry, organization, and what makes their jobs rewarding.
 
"The City of Tallahassee is a proud partner of the Leon Works Expo which is one of the many ways we are preparing our students to be successful and connecting them with job opportunities in the Capital City," Mayor John Dailey said.
 
Students explored different professions in the areas of health, business and information technology, creative, trade and more. By gaining more information from local employers and academic institutions on internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities, students are able to make plans for their future and define their own success.

“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. “This year’s Expo further demonstrates the County’s commitment to meeting our community’s need for skilled workers by 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 and changing skilled job market. The Leon Works Expo builds upon the County’s continued efforts to develop and sustain a rich local economy filled with the best and brightest workers who choose to define their own success. 
 
“Year after year, we are always proud to have our students attend the Leon Works Expo," said Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “This event is always tremendously valuable for our high school students as they think about their next steps and overall future.”
 
Leon County Government and the Office of Economic Vitality hosted the Leon Works Expo in collaboration with community partners, including the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools, Lively Technical College, the Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee Community College, CareerSource Capital Region, Keiser University, World Class Schools, Gadsden Technical College, the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
 
“At the Office of Economic Vitality, our intention isn’t to only bring jobs and opportunities to Florida’s Capital County, but to also ensure we build our talent pipeline,” said Office of Economic Vitality Director Keith Bowers. “The Leon Works Expo ensures local students, our future workforce, are aware of the expanding career opportunities that are making their way to Tallahassee-Leon County.”
 
For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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