West Alabama’s Worlds of Work Turning 10; 4,400 Students to Head to Career Fair Next Month
Thousands of West Alabama students will spend two days at Shelton State next month trying out careers, as Worlds of Work marks its 10th anniversary.
West Alabama Works, the workforce arm of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, will hold the event October 14th and 15th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shelton State Community College's Martin Campus on Old Greensboro Road.
WOW, founded in 2015, has grown steadily and become a model for career fairs far beyond Alabama. Next month, organizers expect more than 4,400 students from 53 schools. They'll meet 110 exhibitors from 80 companies across the region.
Employers, educators and training providers run hands-on demonstrations across 11 career pathways: agriculture, construction, cosmetology, education, energy and utilities, engineering and environment, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing and automotive, public safety, and transportation and logistics.
"For ten years, Worlds of Work has helped students see that meaningful careers are available right here in West Alabama," said Donny Jones, the executive vice president and chief workforce officer of the Chamber and executive director of West Alabama Works. "This anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate the students, educators, employers, and community partners who have helped build WOW while continuing the work of preparing our future workforce one student at a time."
A VIP breakfast for business, education and workforce leaders starts at 7 a.m. Oct. 15 at Shelton State. Greg Reed, secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce, will speak.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International is the top sponsor, with Michelin North America, Shelton State, Hunt Refining Company and Phifer Incorporated stepping up as major sponsors and dozens of other businesses, schools and local governments contributing.
More information is at worldsofwork.com.
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