OrthoWorx, iXplore bring immersive career exploration to JA in FTW

News Release

WARSAW — OrthoWorx and iXplore, a leader in immersive career discovery, announced its participation in JA Career Ignite, a two-day career fair hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana on April 16–17.

The event will take place at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
JA Career Ignite is designed to help high school students explore and consider taking next steps in one of four overarching post-graduation pathways: employment, enrollment, enlistment and entrepreneurship.

As part of the event’s Entrepreneurship Pavilion, iXplore and OrthoWorx will showcase an interactive orthopedic career virtual reality (VR) experience, introducing students to career opportunities in one of Indiana’s most critical industries and featuring polishing, machining and MedTech entrepreneurship pathways, the release states.

“We’re excited to bring a hands-on, eyes-open experience to students — one that helps them imagine a future they may never have considered,” said Heather Jackson, CEO of iXplore. “With OrthoWorx, we’ve built a VR journey that’s as real-world as it is inspiring — giving students a chance to test-drive roles in machining, polishing and entrepreneurship before they ever fill out an application.”

The OrthoWorx booth will feature 24 VR kiosks, enabling more than 1,000 students to explore the orthopedic manufacturing world through a series of realistic, gamified job simulations. Students can virtually polish a femoral head, inspect machined components, or step into the shoes of a MedTech startup founder — all designed to build awareness, spark curiosity and support informed decision-making after graduation.

“This isn’t just about technology— it’s about access,” said Brooke Friedberg, talent director at OrthoWorx. “Many students in our region grow up surrounded by the orthopedic industry but don’t always see themselves in it. This experience makes that future feel real, tangible and exciting.”

The VR experience is part of a broader collaboration between OrthoWorx and iXplore to reach students across northern Indiana and beyond, using immersive storytelling and career simulation to engage tomorrow’s workforce today, according to the release.

About OrthoWorx
OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in the Orthopedic Capital of the World through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fill a critical void in the industry, serving as a connector for industry, education and the community, leveraging resources to drive positive change. OrthoWorx was specifically designed to make the region the best place for orthopedic industry talent to grow and thrive. They are a catalyst, deepening connections among the various interrelated moving parts of the unique orthopedic industry ecosystem. This is accomplished through OrthoWorx’s work and initiatives to equip the next generation, enrich the community and accelerate industry, the release states.

About iXplore
iXplore is an immersive technology solutions provider that creates experiences for forward-thinking talent leaders that capture attention and inspire hope in their next generation of talent. With clients in industries including manufacturing, orthopedics, aviation and more, iXplore uses engaging theatrical journeys to share career opportunities at scale.