Every person dreams of being successful, and parents dream even more of the success of their children. As has been said many times before, children are our future, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that they are well equipped with the skills to make that future bright! One of the best ways that we can do this is to educate them on the many possible career paths they could take and what they need to do to get there. We are beyond the days of believing that a four-year degree is the only way to land a high-wage, high-demand job, and are now teaching students there are many educational options available to them to build a successful career.
Choices that ninth graders make today will begin to impact career opportunities available to them. Through dual-enrollment, students can take college and technical training courses while in high school. These courses enable them to get high-paying jobs immediately upon graduation from high school. This is a huge aid to be able to reduce the financial burden of college. Many companies offer tuition assistance to help fast-track students and advance their career paths.
This year at North Florida Worlds of Work students will be exploring a wide variety of exciting career paths through interactive and engaging real-world simulators. Top employers in the region will create and man each exhibit, giving students a chance to get face-to-face with industry leading companies. By attending WOW, students will gain huge traction in the path to building a meaningful career as early as the beginning of high school. Together we can build a strong bridge to a successful future for our students and our community.
North Florida Worlds of Work represents over 100 career options available in our region. These options range from entry level careers one can start immediately after graduating high school, to careers that require certifications, two or four-year degrees, and some advanced degrees with years of work experience. There is something for everyone. Wherever you decide to start, begin with your sights on the end-goal of having a well-paying job that supports you and your family for life. We can’t wait to see where you go!
Regards,
North Florida Works Leadership Team
WHEN
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Friday, October 23, 2026
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Daily
Community WOW
Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WHERE
Tallahassee State College
444 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Lively Technical College
500 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304
WHO
WOW: 9th Grade Students from Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Taylor, and Liberty counties
Community WOW: ALL Members of the Community
Below you will find a list of resources for parents and students to get the most out of the 2026 Worlds of Work Career Expo.
The Future of Work Florida initiative galvanizes support for Career and Technical Education as the solution to our workforce needs. The Future of Work Florida reaches businesses, parents, grandparents and students, showcasing that Florida has a dynamic, long-term plan to fuel the future. Florida is on the path to becoming a top 10 global economy by 2030. Workforce education will propel us there — faster, farther.
Employ Florida is a premier online resource for job listings, career interest assessments, labor market information, resume builders, careereducation and training information including available scholarships, and much more. The system is available for anyone seeking or offering employment in Florida, and it can be utilized by career seekers and employers, alike, at no cost.
TLHTalent.com is a one-stop online hub for job seekers, employers, educators and students across North Florida. It brings together job opportunities, training programs, business support, and workforce resources, along with tools and data from regional partners, to help people begin careers, retrain, or connect with employers in the Capital Region. The platform is designed to be used to help high school students explore in-demand, high-wage industries early so they graduate with a realistic career plan in hand.
The path you take after high school graduation is full of options. There's college, technical school, certification, military, family businesses, and more. As part of WFSU's American Graduate initiative, this animated video follows a young person as he explores his options in the world after high school.
Get There helps Floridians acquire a high value credential in an in-demand industry. Through Career, Technical and Adult Education (CTAE), Floridians can improve their economic and social mobility today without the worry of debt tomorrow. With little to no barriers to enrollment and 17 career pathways to choose from, you can acquire the skills needed through real-world, hands-on experience.