May 8, 2025

10th Annual Leon Works Expo Connects Students with Employers

News Summary

The 10th Annual Leon Works Expo was held on April 25, 2025, in Tallahassee, FL, attracting over 1,000 high school students from multiple counties. The event, organized by the Leon County Government and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Opportunity, provided students with opportunities to engage with nearly 80 local employers across various industries. Highlights included interactive exhibits and breakout sessions aimed at informing students about rewarding career paths and high-demand jobs available in their community.

Tallahassee, FL – The 10th Annual Leon Works Expo took place on April 25, 2025, attracting over 1,000 high school students eager to connect with local employers. Organized by the Leon County Government in partnership with the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Opportunity, the event provided students from multiple counties the chance to explore various career paths and opportunities available in their community.

Students from Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson, Calhoun, Madison, and Taylor counties participated in the Expo, which showcased nearly 80 employers from a range of industries. Notable fields represented included healthcare, business information technology, creative industries, and skilled trades.

Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch highlighted the significance of the Expo in bringing attention to fast-growing and rewarding career opportunities, emphasizing the event’s role in showcasing important focus areas such as healthcare, information technology, public safety, and skilled trades. These sectors provide students with the avenues necessary for financial security and career growth.

Event Details and Activities

The Expo transformed the FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center into an immersive career readiness experience where students could engage in interactive exhibits and breakout sessions led by CareerSource Capital Region. Attendees participated in real-world demonstrations that covered vital industries, including aviation, construction, and emergency medical services.

Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long noted that the Expo aims to open doors to career success for students, without the requirement of a traditional four-year college degree. Projections indicate that by 2032, more than 38,000 jobs requiring education beyond high school, but less than a four-year degree, will be available in Leon County, with average hourly wages exceeding $22.

Impact on Future Workforce

Keith Bowers, Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, observed that the Expo serves to redefine what career success looks like for students and their families. Since its inception in 2015, the Leon Works Expo has successfully connected over 8,000 high school students with more than 600 local employers, academic institutions, and workforce development organizations.

The event aims to inform students about high-demand career paths that offer competitive wages, requiring only a high school diploma or additional certification. Registration for businesses interested in participating remained open until April 11, allowing for a wide range of available opportunities.

Additional Initiatives for Workforce Development

Complementing the Leon Works Expo is the North Florida Worlds of Work (WOW) Expo, which connects students to over 120 employers across various industries. The WOW Expo, which entered its second year, helps students discover local job opportunities and emphasizes the importance of preparing the future workforce to support the local community. For the upcoming WOW Varsity event, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate.

To further assist high school students, the Leon Works Junior Apprenticeship program offers opportunities for hourly wages while helping youth build essential workforce skills. Additionally, summer youth training programs are available for youths aged 14 to 24, with pay starting at $13 per hour, giving students a head start in their professional development.

The Leon Works Expo continues to be a vital platform for connecting students with potential employers and fostering career development in Leon County, paving the way for a robust and skilled future workforce.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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