JOCO WORKS WOW
(Worlds of Work Expo)
JOCO WORKS WOW (Worlds of Work Expo)
WOW is an industry-led initiative designed to address our community’s workforce needs through early exposure. Supported by education, business, civic and government partners, the program provides eighth-grade students with a specialized curriculum that culminates in a massive, in-person career exposition.
Held annually in November, this event helps students select their high school career pathway by connecting them directly with local industry leaders. By bridging the gap between classroom and career, students also begin identifying the specific degree programs and certifications available at the community college level. This early engagement empowers them to make informed decisions about their future, creating a direct pipeline to local higher education and high-demand jobs.
The Expo Experience
During the event, students navigate ‘Industry Worlds’ where exhibitors curate hands-on activities to illustrate their daily operations and career offerings. Every student receives a JOCO WORKS backpack, a WOW Passport to document their journey through the worlds and a comprehensive program booklet — a resource for students and parents that includes salary data, industry insights and academic pathway information.
This definitive guide to our local economy bridges the gap between education and industry, offering students and parents a clear roadmap to high-growth careers and competitive salary insights right here in our community.
Explore the Industry Worlds
The expo floor is organized into specialized sectors representing the core of our local economy. Check out our JOCO WORKS WOW Program Booklet to explore them all.
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Construction
- Information Tech & Energy
- Education & Human Services
- Healthcare
- Hospitality, Tourism & Retail
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business
- Manufacturing
- Public Works & Safety
- Transportation & Logistics
Academic & Specialized Pathways
Beyond industry interaction, students engage with specialized academic programs and academies that they can join in high school, including:
- NC Robotics Initiative
- JoCo Teach
- IDEAL Academy (South Johnston High School)
- JCPS Fire Science Program
- JCPS IBCP - Engineering (Smithfield-Selma High School)
- Career and College Promise Programs
Still Have Questions?
Whether you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, exhibitor, volunteer or learning more about the event, we’ve compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Industry Worlds
This industry focuses on the cultivation of crops, raising of livestock and management of natural resources to provide food, fiber and fuel globally. It merges traditional farming practices with modern agritech to maximize yield, sustain ecosystems and secure the global food supply chain.
Operating at the intersection of biology and technology, this sector manipulates living organisms and molecular processes to develop breakthrough medical treatments, agricultural enhancements and bio-based materials. It plays a critical role in solving complex global challenges, from genetic diseases to environmental sustainability.
This sector encompasses the planning, design and raising of residential buildings, commercial spaces, and vital infrastructure like bridges and roads. It drives economic growth by transforming architectural blueprints into physical realities using advanced engineering and project management.
This combined sector powers the modern world by managing digital infrastructure, software systems and data networks alongside the generation and distribution of power. It bridges technological innovation with resource management, fueling global communication and industrial operations.
Dedicated to fostering societal well-being, this field focuses on delivering quality instruction, social support and developmental resources to individuals across all lifespans. It aims to empower communities, close equity gaps and cultivate a skilled, resilient population.
This vital industry is dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, treating and managing illnesses to maintain and improve physical and mental well-being. It spans a vast ecosystem of medical professionals, clinical facilities, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge medical devices.
Centered entirely on customer experience, this dynamic sector drives the service economy through lodging, travel experiences, food services and consumer commerce. It thrives on brand loyalty, consumer trends and delivering memorable face-to-face or digital interactions.
Driven by innovation and risk-taking, this sector focuses on launching, managing and scaling independent ventures to fill unique market niches. It serves as a primary engine for local job creation, economic resilience and grassroots competitive innovation.
This industry transforms raw materials and components into finished, value-added goods on a large scale using machinery, tools and labor. It constantly evolves through automation and smart technology to supply everything from consumer electronics to heavy industrial equipment.
Charged with protecting and sustaining communities, this sector manages municipal infrastructure, water systems, and emergency response services like fire and law enforcement. It ensures the foundational safety, order, and daily operational reliability of public environments.
This sector orchestrates the physical movement of people and commercial freight across global networks via air, land and sea. It serves as the backbone of global commerce by optimizing supply chains, warehousing and delivery schedules for maximum efficiency.
JOCO WORKS Collaborative
