Erin Hill
More than 1,000 high school students from across North Florida gathered at the FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for the 10th Annual Leon Works Expo, an event designed to connect young people with in-demand career paths that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree.
Hosted by Leon County Government and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Opportunity, the Expo welcomed students from seven counties, including Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, and Jefferson. Nearly 80 local employers participated, offering hands-on experiences and career insights in fields like healthcare, information technology, construction, and aviation.
“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. “These careers offer real opportunities for success, financial security, and long-term growth.”
The venue was transformed into an immersive career-readiness hub, featuring interactive exhibits, real-world demonstrations, and breakout sessions hosted by CareerSource Capital Region. Organizers say the goal is to bridge the skilled workforce gap by showing students diverse pathways to professional success.
“Not every path to success runs through a four-year college,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This event shows students the many ways they can find meaningful work and build a future, right here in our community.”
With projections estimating more than 38,000 skilled jobs opening in the region by 2032—many paying over $22 per hour—the Expo serves as a key initiative in preparing the next generation of local workers.
Keith Bowers, Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, emphasized the long-term impact of the event. “These are not just jobs. They are meaningful careers that are vital to our community and economy,” he said.
Since its inception in 2015, the Leon Works Expo has introduced over 8,000 students to more than 600 local employers and educational organizations, becoming a cornerstone in the region’s workforce development strategy.
