JCPS Eighth Grade Students Wowed by the Many Career Choices Displayed During JOCO WORKS WOW

SMITHFIELD, NC - Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) eighth grade students attended the JOCO WORKS World of Works (WOW) 2024 Career Expo at Johnston Community College (JCC) November 7-8. 

Approximately 3,500 eighth-grade students had the opportunity to connect with more than 40 local industries, including Grifols, Caterpillar, and event sponsor, Novo Nordisk.   

Through hands-on experiences, JOCO WORKS WOW is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the way JCPS eighth graders in Johnston County explore future careers. For students that already had a career path in mind, they received in-depth exposure into their desired field.

Additionally, the future generation of the work force received information on career pathways that included sample occupations, general education requirements, and average salaries within each industry.

“As we celebrate November as National Career Development Month, it is exciting to have all of our 8th grade students participate in JOCO WORKS,” said Kathryn Farrior, CTE Workforce Development Specialist. With high school right around the corner, eighth grade is a critical point in a student's career journey. 

Upon arrival to the event, each student was given a JOCO WORKS World Passport encouraging them to obtain stamps from at least two JOCO WORKS World partners. Additionally, to receive the stamp, needed to ask engaging questions to each partner. Conversation starter questions were also on the passports.  

The passport was a way to encourage students to explore more opportunities than only the careers they were already thinking about, therefore giving them a diverse overall experience. Students whose passports had all of the necessary stamps were then were entered into a drawing for prizes. 

“JOCO WORKS allows students to network with local workforce partners, explore careers, and make more intentional high school elective course selections. JCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a proud partner in this event to help students solidify their academic and career plans after graduation,” Farrior added.

JCPS CTE students can take courses relating to many of the featured careers at JOCO WORKS through Johnston Community College and JCPS continued partnership. They take these college classes while still in high school, graduating with an Associate Degree. 

Swift Creek Middle Student NaaMiyah Theet, who currently has an interest in clinical research, was one of many students fascinated by the various career opportunities presented during the event. “I feel so excited to attend JOCO WORKS and being able to explore all of the different careers,” stated Theet. “It helps me to have a brighter, more opened mind about all of the different careers I can do when I graduate.”  

Upon graduation, these young adults now have the ability to either go directly into the workforce, or continue their education at a four-year college, where many classes from the academic program transfer, giving them a head start if they continue to a four-year college. 

The event included industries such as: biotechnology, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and tourism, to name a few. By simulating real world careers, JOCO WORKS is an excellent opportunity for these students to explore rewarding careers that are available to them in Johnston County.

Barnhill Construction representative Cody Whitelock was excited to attend the event and shared what he hoped would be accomplished. “We hope to get them (students) engaged and excited about career paths they may find interest in.” The event featured many trade-based careers for student exploration. “Speaking for Barnhill and the many other trades here today, we want students to know that there is a lot that goes into these professions and that these professions help to make the world move forward.”   

Launched in 2019, JOCO WORKS is an innovative, industry-led, collaboration between Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, Johnston Community College (JCC), Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), Benson Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, government, and various business leaders to meet the growing needs of the workforce in Johnston County.