SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo

September 25-26,2013

A project of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC), the SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo is an industry-led initiative that pulls together more than 115 regional companies to engage students through hands-on, career related activities over the two-day event. Businesses develop and staff the "Worlds" that students visit. Each World is led by a chairperson, called a "World Leader", who engages companies within the respective industry to create the central element of the expo, the hands-on activities. Worlds work for months to engage partners, identify careers to highlight, and create hands-on interactions that link careers to the classroom. Visiting the event for just under two hours, students pick their favorites of twelve Worlds to visit and learn about careers available close to home. Students visiting the World of Aerospace stepped onto a mock runway which directed them to career-related interactions in the Aerospace industry. In the World of Safety, students donned personal protective equipment then climbed onto scaffolding to paint a mural. Outside, students visiting the World of Construction could choose from activities ranging from hammering nails, building a brick wall, or operating a mini excavator to move piles of sand.

In 2012, the event hosted 9,800 students from 81 schools in the eight-county region, 1,000 teachers, counselors and parent chaperones, 200 general volunteers and 600 exhibitor volunteers from over 180 companies and organizations.

The following twelve Industries were represented in the Worlds: Aerospace, Automotive Technology, Communications, Construction, Energy, Engineering & Architecture, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing, Maritime, Public Service, and Safety.

For additional information on how to be involved in the SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity, please contact us at (251) 445-2090.

Thank you to our 2012 SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity Contributors!