2026 NEMS FORGE Your Path Career Expo
Relive the excitement!
Watch the Golden Triangle FORGE Your Path Career Expo Highlight Video and read about the event in Connections Magazine.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Professionals
The NEMS FORGE Your Path Career Expo is where hands-on learning meets real-world opportunity. Eighth-grade students from across Northeast Mississippi will step out of the classroom and into an interactive environment filled with hands-on activities, equipment demonstrations, skilled trade challenges, and industry professionals ready to share their expertise.
Throughout the day, students will discover career possibilities in construction, electrical, welding, heavy equipment operation, engineering, utilities, and more — guided by the professionals who do the work every day. From trying out tools and equipment to tackling real-world trade activities, the Expo gives students the opportunity to experience careers rather than simply hear about them.
Designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open students’ eyes to the many pathways available after high school, the Career Expo also creates meaningful connections between education and industry.
Whether you’re a student, educator, trade partner, ambassador, volunteer, or sponsor, the Career Expo is an opportunity to be part of building Northeast Mississippi’s future workforce.
Event Details
- Dates: Tuesday, October 27th (Set-up on October 26th)
- Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Tupelo Furniture Market – Building 5 | 1879 N. Coley Road | Tupelo, MS 38801
Help Make the Career Expo Possible
The FORGE Your Path Career Expo is made possible through the support of businesses, industries, organizations, and community partners who believe in creating meaningful career exploration opportunities for students.
By supporting the NEMS Career Expo and FORGE’s work across Northeast Mississippi, your organization helps connect students with hands-on experiences, industry professionals, and greater awareness of the career pathways available right here in their communities.
Join us in inspiring the next generation of Mississippi’s workforce.
Explore our Pathway Partner opportunities and see how your investment can help open pathways for students while strengthening Northeast Mississippi’s future workforce.
Schools
The FORGE Your Path Career Expo is a unique opportunity for 8th graders to explore the world of construction and skilled trades through interactive, real-world activities. Schools invited to attend will receive registration details by email, with a finalized schedule sent in mid-September.
Trade Partners
Join us as an exhibitor and bring your trade to life through hands-on activities, simulators, skill challenges, and live demonstrations. Your booth will give students a memorable experience while introducing them to rewarding career opportunities in the skilled trades.
Together with our trade partners, we are forging pathways to career readiness and workforce success.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of the Career Expo! There are several ways to get involved and help us create an unforgettable experience for students.
Volunteer at the Career Expo
From greeting schools and guiding student groups to assisting trade partners and helping keep the event running smoothly, volunteers play an important role throughout both days of the Expo. Whether you have a few hours or can spend the full day with us, your help makes an impact.
Help Pack Student Cinch Sacks
Can’t volunteer during the Expo? Join us before the event to help prepare the cinch sacks that will be distributed to every student attending! Volunteers will help pack bags with students’ required PPE, career exploration materials, and other Expo items so they’re ready to go when students arrive.
ICC Ambassadors
ICC Ambassadors will lead groups of students through the event, supervise their activities, and encourage them to participate in the hands-on experiences at each booth. They will help them connect with industry professionals, explore a variety of career paths, and make the most of their time at the Expo. Their support and enthusiasm plays a vital role in creating a positive, impactful experience for every student who attends.
Career Coach Ambassadors
As a Career Coach Ambassador, you’ll lead groups of students through the event, supervise their activities, and encourage them to participate in the hands-on experiences at each booth. You’ll help them engage with industry professionals, explore a variety of career paths, and make meaningful connections between what they learn in school and opportunities in the skilled trades. Your guidance and enthusiasm ensure students get the most out of their Career Expo experience.
Business After Hours at the Career Expo
Join us for a special Business After Hours event at the NEMS FORGE Your Path Career Expo — a chance to connect with fellow business and community leaders while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Expo in action.
- Date: Monday, October 26th
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Tupelo Furniture Market – Building 5 | 1879 N. Coley Road | Tupelo, MS 38801
Enjoy refreshments, tour the interactive booths, and meet the industry professionals, trade partners, and educators who make this event possible. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand how the Career Expo is shaping our region’s future workforce.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SPONSORS
Special thanks to our Business After Hours sponsors for helping us bring industry and community partners together in support of Northeast Mississippi’s future workforce.
