CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge. Programs in Career and Technical Education are designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of students, including basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as their ability to work independently and as part of a team, think creatively, solve problems, and utilize technology. These tools and experiences make school more relevant, and ensure students are ready for the real world. Whether students plan to further their education in community colleges, technical schools, four-year colleges and universities, receive on-the-job training, or pursue careers in the military, CTE can be the first step in a pathway toward productive employment and citizenship.

We are proud to have 931,801 Career and Technical Education participants. The 2018 CTE Concentrator Graduation rate of 99.2% is evidence of how CTE is learning that works for North Carolina. 

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSES OFFER COURSES IN ALL OF THE 16 CAREER CLUSTERS

Career Clusters is a way of grouping all careers into sixteen categories. The careers in each cluster share a foundation of common knowledge and skills. These clusters frame student opportunities in secondary and postsecondary education as they prepare for wide range of career opportunities. See all pathways with course numbers.

The sixteen national Career Clusters are:

• Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
• Architecture & Construction
• Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
• Business Management & Administration
• Education & Training
• Finance
• Government & Public Administration
• Health Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
• Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

All students in career and technical programs have an opportunity to develop and extend their learnings through participation in active career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). The program of work for each organization should be based on instructional competencies and be an integral part of the program.

Any student enrolled in a career and technical course is eligible for membership in the career and technical student organization associated with that program. CTSOs develop character, citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education. They enhance students' civic awareness and provide opportunities for developing social competencies and a wholesome attitude about living and working.

CTSOs provide a unique instructional method for attaining the competency goals and objectives identified in each course. Their activities are considered a part of the instructional day when they are directly related to the competencies and objectives in the course blueprints.

• FBLA: Business
• FCCLA: Family Consumer Sciences
• FFA: Agricultural Education
• DECA: Marketing
• HOSA: Health Occupations
• TSA: Technology
• Skills USA: Trade and Industrial

CERTIFICATION AND CREDENTIALING

Background The attainment of an industry-recognized certification or credential ensures that students graduate from high school globally competitive for work and post-secondary education.

Benefits An industry-recognized certification or credential helps businesses

• Save many hours of training time because their new hire is already trained.
• Be confident that the credential holder has already learned a specific set of skills. An industry-recognized certification or credential helps students
• Validate their knowledge and skill attainment with an industry-recognized certification.
• Stand out in a field of job applicants.
• Start at a higher salary level. Coursework Many of our Career and Technical Education courses prepare students to be successful on certification exams. Some certification programs require work experience or further coursework before the student is ready to take the certification exam.

EXAMPLES OF CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS THAT OUR CTE COURSES ARE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR INCLUDE:

• ASE automotive technician
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
• CompTIA A+® computer engineering technician
• CompTIA Network+ network technician
• Cosmetology state license
• NCCER construction craft
• ServSafe Food Safety®

ENROLLMENTS IN CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS - STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN SELECTED PROGRAMS THAT LEAD TO CREDENTIALS: 

TO VIEW THE EXTENSIVE NUMBER OF CERTIFICATIONS AWARDED BY WCPSS AND OTHER COUNTIES IN 2019-2020 DESPITE THE PANDEMIC, VIEW THE DPI WEBSITE: 2019-2020 CREDENTIALING DATA

• Allied Health Sciences
• Automotive Technology
• Computer Engineering - Computer Programming
• Construction Technology
• Cosmetology
• Electrical Trades
• Foods Technology and Culinary
• Network Administration
• Network Engineering
• Machining Technology
• Masonry
• Enrollments in Credential Programs Welding
• Software and Computing: Microsoft, Adobe, SAS, Autodesk

 WCPSS CAREER ACADEMIES

Career and College Promise Guide - Wake Tech

Career and College Promise Overview - NC Department of Public Instruction (Often called duo enrollment)

Success in today’s global economy may require a two-or four-year degree, a diploma or certificate. Through Career & College Promise (CCP) qualified high school-age students in North Carolina have the opportunity to pursue these options, tuition free, while they are in high school, allowing them to get a jumpstart on their workplace and college preparation.

• College Transfer – College transfer pathways provide up to 34 hours of tuition-free course credits toward the Core RR, an agreed-upon 44 hours of college credit that will transfer seamlessly to any public or participating private college or university in North Carolina, saving successful students time and money in pursuing four-year degrees.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) – Career and Technical Education pathways allow eligible students to earn tuition-free course credits at a CC toward a job certificate or diploma in a technical career field.
• Cooperative Innovative High Schools – Students attending an approved Cooperative Innovative High Schools such as Wake Early College, Vernon Malone, can begin earning tuition-free college credits as a high school student. 

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS FOR COLLEGE CREDITS

Allows students to receive advanced placement credit for completion of identified Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses taken in high school. A final grade of B or better and a raw post-assessment score of 80 or better are required. This creates a systematic and seamless process in which students can move from high school to community college without having to duplicate efforts or repeat courses.