Johnston Reporter

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) eighth-grade students recently attended the JOCO WORKS World of Works (WOW) 2024 Career Expo at Johnston Community College. The event, held on November 7-8, connected approximately 3,500 students with over 40 local industries, including Grifols, Caterpillar, and Novo Nordisk.

Swift Creek Middle School student NaaMiyah Theet expressed her enthusiasm about the event: “It helps me to have a brighter, more opened mind about all of the different careers I can do when I graduate.”

JOCO WORKS WOW aims to change how JCPS eighth graders in Johnston County explore career options through hands-on experiences. Students received detailed information about various career pathways, including sample occupations and education requirements.

Kathryn Farrior, CTE Workforce Development Specialist, noted the importance of this initiative: “As we celebrate November as National Career Development Month, it is exciting to have all of our 8th grade students participate in JOCO WORKS.”

Students were given a JOCO WORKS World Passport upon arrival and encouraged to obtain stamps from at least two partners by asking engaging questions. This initiative was designed to broaden their exploration beyond their initial career interests.

Farrior highlighted the networking opportunities provided by the event: “JOCO WORKS allows students to network with local workforce partners, explore careers, and make more intentional high school elective course selections.”

JCPS CTE students have the opportunity to take related courses through Johnston Community College while still in high school. This partnership enables them to graduate with an Associate Degree.

Industries featured at the event included biotechnology, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and tourism. Barnhill Construction representative Cody Whitelock shared his excitement: “We hope to get them (students) engaged and excited about career paths they may find interest in.”

Launched in 2019, JOCO WORKS is a collaboration between Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, Johnston Community College (JCC), JCPS, Benson Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, government entities, and business leaders to address workforce needs in Johnston County.