Worlds of Work Event Connects East Alabama Students With Career Opportunities
OXFORD — Thousands of students from across East Alabama explored potential career paths during the annual Worlds of Work event presented by Eastman, held March 10–12 at the Oxford Civic Center.
The hands-on career exploration event, hosted by Gadsden State Community College, welcomed approximately 8,000 students from Workforce Region 2, representing schools in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega counties.
Students in the eighth and eleventh grades from public, private and homeschool programs attended the event, where they interacted with industry professionals and experienced real-world demonstrations in a variety of career fields.
Through interactive exhibits and demonstrations led by industry partners, students explored 11 career areas aligned with regional workforce needs. Those areas included agriculture and outdoor resources, automotive and modern manufacturing, business and entrepreneurship, communications, media and marketing, construction, education and training, energy and utilities, engineering and technology, healthcare, public safety, and transportation, distribution and logistics.
“Worlds of Work gives students the opportunity to step into real career environments and experience firsthand the skills and opportunities that exist right here in East Alabama,” said Lisa Morales, community and workforce liaison at Gadsden State Community College and event director. “By connecting students with local employers and industry professionals, we help them begin thinking about their future and see the many pathways available after high school.”
Participants also learned about the education, training and credential pathways needed to enter various careers while gaining insight into job opportunities available in their own communities.
Organizers say the event is designed to encourage students to remain engaged in school while helping them begin planning their future career paths.
Worlds of Work is a collaborative regional initiative that brings together educators, employers and workforce leaders to strengthen the connection between education and industry across East Alabama.
