Government & Public Administration

Government ensures that citizens receive vital services that may not otherwise be available to them. Government employees provide regulatory oversight and support for transportation, public safety, healthcare, education, utilities, and courts. In North Carolina, most government employees work for state or local governments. Some people also work for the federal government. Occupations in government mirror careers found in almost every industry. They range from many business, management, and administrative occupations to jobs related to construction and transportation. 

Public work sector jobs typically require the same educational requirements as private sector occupations. Government employees' work schedules and environments depend on workers' specific jobs and — at times — on the size and level of government. This cluster includes desk jobs with regular eight-hour workdays as well as outdoor work with varying schedules. While hiring practices for most government workers are like those in other sectors, some public sector employees are elected or appointed to their jobs. 

The Government and Public Administration Career Cluster identifies five career pathways: