'Worlds of Work' gives students a hands-on career experience in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Thursday and Friday in Tuscaloosa, more than 6,000 students are set to get a hands-on look at their options for future careers.

Worlds of Work is a two-day collaboration of employers, educational institutions and workforce leaders  in west Alabama designed to expose eighth grade and high school students to many different technical, high-wage career paths.

The goal is to help students begin planning, even before high school, for their careers and what it takes to prepare for those jobs.

"Many of our kids in our community do not really understand what opportunities they do have," Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Chief Operating Officer Donny Jones said.

"So what we're doing is displaying all the different jobs we have in this region, how much they make and what it takes to achieve those goals of attaining a great job," Jones added.

Jones said with dual high school and college enrollment opportunities now available across Alabama, many students can complete high school already prepared to enter a skilled career path.

Worlds of Work showcases careers in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, health care, engineering, hospitality, public safety and more.

Students from nine counties are scheduled to attend.

Patrician Academy student Will Christopher attended the event on Thursday morning. He said he was most interested in the health care and engineering sectors, and he liked the hands-on format of the event.

"You get to see what you actually do, instead of just hearing about it," Christopher said.

Eighth grade students will attend the expo with their schools. Thursday, Oct. 13 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., high school students are invited to attend with a parent or guardian.

One high school student in attendance will be awarded a semester's tuition to either Shelton State Community College or Bevill State Community College.

Worlds of Work is a project of West Alabama Works, the Region 3 Workforce Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Find more information at worldsofwork.com.

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