Smithfield, NC - On February 18, 150 10th-grade students gathered at Johnston Community College for JOCO WORKS PRO, a half-day intensive focused on work-based learning readiness through four core workshops in self empowerment, digital media, interviewing, and workplace best practices.
“JOCO WORKS PRO is an essential experience that ignites critical thinking, prompts self-evaluation, and boosts confidence. Access and preparation are key to navigating the education and job marketplaces. Through the JOCO WORKS suite of programs, we’re invested in bolstering postsecondary pathways and local talent retention.” - BriAnna Walker, Manager, Talent & Leadership Development, and JOCO WORKS, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce.
JOCO WORKS PRO was supported by over 50 volunteers from local employers and public 
service organizations. Direct interaction between students, employers, and community members is a core dynamic of the workforce advancement ecosystem, strengthening positive outcomes in graduation rates, higher education enrollment, and early career placements.
The JOCO WORKS Collaborative, a partnership including the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce (lead partner), Johnston County Public Schools, Johnston Community College, Neuse Charter School, the American Leadership Academy, Johnston County Economic Development, the Benson Chamber of Commerce, and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, provides career exploration and readiness programming for 8th–12th graders by facilitating access to local employers, industry education, and hands-on development training.
The JOCO WORKS suite includes three programs: WOW, PRO, and NOW.
- WOW is an industry-led initiative, supported by education, business, civic, and government partners, to address our community’s workforce needs. The program culminates in a curriculum and in-person career exposition tailored for 8th-grade students.
- PRO is a half-day intensive designed for 10th-grade students to prepare for work-based learning opportunities. Students attend workshops on topics such as interviewing and workplace best practices, led by local employers.
- NOW is a partnership between local chambers of commerce, area employers, and Johnston County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) to provide structured summer work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students.
