Exploring Local Careers

Each year, businesses, educators, and economic development partners in Clarke County, Frederick County, Page County, Rappahannock County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester, Virginia, come together to host Worlds of Work. Nearly 3,000 eighth grade students from the region descend upon the James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Events Center at Shenandoah University where they are immersed in career exploration with more than 70 businesses.

Hands-On Activities Spark Career Interests

In Virginia, students begin considering their career journey in middle school. During Worlds of Work, students move through 10 different industry sectors, or “Work Worlds,” and participate in brief, hands-on activities.

• Agriculture
• Communications
• Construction
• Finance
• Health Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Public Service
• Transportation & Logistics

Business Partnerships

Local businesses are engaged in all phases of the Worlds of Work experience. They serve as financial sponsors, ensuring the event can be held each year. Businesses serve on the pre-event planning team, help manage event-day logistics, set up as exhibitors, and volunteer on the day of the event to help with setup, teardown, and guiding students.

Supporting Frederick County's Existing Businesses

Collaborating with local and regional partners to create and execute long-term workforce solutions is an objective of the Frederick County EDA. Worlds of Work, The Widget Cup high school design/build competition, and industry tours are but a few of the ways the EDA is connecting with the community’s future workforce.

About Worlds of Work
Worlds of Work is a career exploration event managed by Laurel Ridge Community College Career Pathways Consortium, in partnership with Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Frederick County Economic Development Authority, Winchester Economic Development Authority, Clarke County Economic Development, Page County Economic Development, Shenandoah County Economic Development, and Warren County Economic Development.