Hundreds of high school students from Leon and the 5 counties surrounding it were learning what can help them land top paying jobs after graduation on Friday,
It was the Ninth Annual Leon Works Expo at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The whole idea came from then-County Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley in 2015.
"Some people don't want to be in an academic setting. They don't want to be in offices. They want to be out and about fixing things and solving problems. And you have to be smart in different ways. You learn in different ways and experience life differently. So I think it's fantastic. I'm thrilled to death!"
The local career training resources included instruction in welding, aviation mechanics, medical technician jobs and many other fields that used to be called "blue collar." The majority of these now pay better than many careers requiring a four-year college degree.
One example of this is Joey Williams of Tallahassee. He's finishing up his last semester in aircraft mechanic training at Tallahassee' Lively Technical College. And he's already landed a VERY attractive post-graduation job.
"Starting off, at least $80k a year. That's bare minimum now starting off in the industry. I got hired at $30 an hour, a $10k signing bonus and they're giving me 6 grand for a toolbox I'm going to build."
Representatives of many other training resources for trade and technical careers were also on hand at the Expo to inform the students of those opportunities.
