Welcome to the CTE Career Hub!

Discover Your Passion. Build Your Skills. Launch Your Career.

High school is about more than just sitting at a desk—it’s about getting your hands dirty, solving real-world problems, and earning professional certifications before you even graduate.

Explore our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways below to see how you can turn your interests in technology, building, medicine, or business into a high-paying career or a head start in college.

💡 Why Choose CTE? (The Quick Facts)

• Higher Graduation Success: CTE concentrators in North Carolina consistently graduate at a rate of over 97%, well above the overall state average (~87%).

• A Massive Head Start: NC high school students earn over 350,000 industry-recognized credentials every year—meaning you can graduate job-ready with proof of your skills on your resume.

• Real Earning Potential: Many skilled CTE careers—like electricians, welders, and healthcare technicians—pay $45,000 to $70,000+ per year right out of the gate, often with zero college debt.

💻 Digital Media & Computer Science

Adobe Academy Pathway (Digital Design & Animation)

• Adobe Visual Design I: Learn to use industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You will edit photos, create original logos, and design marketing graphics for real-world brands.

• Adobe Visual Design II: Take your skills to the next level with professional page layouts in Adobe InDesign. You will design multi-page magazines, digital publications, and promotional posters.

• The Goal: Earn Adobe Certified Professional credentials in Visual Design (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign).

Computer Science Pathway

• AP Computer Science Principles: Get a college-level look at how computers and the internet power our world. You’ll learn the fundamentals of coding, build functional apps, and explore how data and cybersecurity affect everyday life.

• Coding in Minecraft (Introductory & Expert Levels): Move beyond basic drag-and-drop blocks and start writing real, text-based code in Python or JavaScript. You’ll learn how to use "If" statements and "Loops" to build complex systems, program automated bots, and "debug" (troubleshoot) your code when things go wrong.

  • The Goal: Pass the capstone exam to earn a Coding in Minecraft Credential, proving to colleges and employers that you can write real-world programming languages.

🛠️ Engineering & Design

Engineering Pathway

• Foundations of Engineering (formerly Technology Engineering & Design): Learn how everyday products are invented using the Engineering Design Process. You will brainstorm, sketch, and build physical prototypes of structures and systems.

• Technological Design: Built for "makers" and "fixers." You will tackle real-world challenges—like designing stronger bridges or cleaner energy solutions—by building, testing, and refining your own original inventions.

• The Goal: Master computer-aided design (CAD) and prototyping tools to think and work like an engineer.

🌱 Agriculture & Natural Resources

Agricultural Mechanics Pathway

• Agricultural Mechanics I: Get hands-on experience in the shop. Learn to safely use power tools, build with wood and metal, and maintain small engines and farm equipment.

• Agricultural Mechanics II: Advance to professional-level fabrication. You will practice precision metal cutting, advanced welding (MIG/TIG/Stick), and complex systems like hydraulics and electrical wiring.

• The Goal: Earn industry safety certifications and prepare for an AWS Certified Welder credential.

Sustainable Agriculture Pathway

• Sustainable Agriculture Production I: Explore how to feed a growing world while protecting the environment. Study soil health, water conservation, and sustainable plant science.

• Sustainable Agriculture Production II: Dive into the high-tech future of farming, including aquaponics (raising fish and plants together), hydroponics (soil-free growing), and modern agricultural technology.

• The Goal: Earn credentials in sustainable farming practices, drone operation, or agricultural biotechnology.

🏗️ Skilled Trades & Construction

(Note: Construction pathways typically begin with Core and Sustainable Construction, where students earn their foundational safety certifications before specializing.)

Carpentry Pathway

• Carpentry I: Start building from the ground up! Learn to read architectural blueprints and safely use hand and power tools to frame floors, walls, and stairways.

• Carpentry II: Close in the structure by building the exterior "envelope" of a house, including roof framing, windows, doors, and exterior siding.

• The Goal: Earn the NCCER Carpentry credential, recognized by construction employers nationwide.

Electrical Trades Pathway

• Electrical Trades I: Learn how electricity works and how to wire a building safely according to the National Electrical Code. Practice installing outlet boxes, switches, lighting, and conduit (wire piping).

• Electrical Trades II: Advance to wiring complex commercial and residential systems, including circuit breaker panels, meters, and electric motors.

• The Goal: Earn the NCCER Electrical certification, putting you on the fast track to a paid electrical apprenticeship.

🍳 Human Services & Culinary Arts

Early Childhood Development & Services Pathway

• Child Development: Study how children grow from infancy through age five. Learn how young brains develop and how play, nutrition, and environment shape early learning.

• EDU 119- Intro to Early Childhood Education(requires WCC Application): Step into the role of a teacher. You will write lesson plans, manage classroom routines, and gain hands-on internship experience working directly with young children.

• The Goal: Graduate with the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC), qualifying you to work as a lead teacher in licensed childcare centers immediately after high school.

Food & Nutrition / Culinary Pathway

• Food and Nutrition I: Learn how to cook healthy, delicious meals from scratch while mastering kitchen safety, sanitation, and nutrition basics.

• Food and Nutrition II: Step into the business side of food. Learn advanced cooking techniques, global baking, menu planning, and how to manage a commercial kitchen or catering operation.

• The Goal: Earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification—a gold-standard credential required for restaurant and hospitality managers.

💼 Business, Finance & Marketing

Entrepreneurship Pathway

• Entrepreneurship I: Learn what it takes to be your own boss. You will brainstorm a business idea, research your target customers, set pricing, and build a marketing strategy.

• Entrepreneurship II: Turn your idea into a reality. Write a comprehensive business plan, learn how to manage staff and finances, and pitch your business to real-world investors.

• The Goal: Earn the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification.

🏥 Health Sciences

Fundamentals Healthcare Pathway (Foundational Track)

• Foundations of Health Science: Explore the wide world of medical careers while learning medical terminology, healthcare ethics, and how the human body works.

• Essential Healthcare Practices: Take a deep dive into human anatomy, physiology, and diseases—essential knowledge for anyone considering a medical career.

• The Goal: Earn AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR and OSHA 10-Hour Healthcare certifications.

Pre-Nursing Pathway (Advanced Clinical Track)

• Medical Anatomy & Physiology / Health Science I & II: Build a strong scientific foundation in how body systems function and interact.

• Nursing Fundamentals & Practicum: Work alongside registered nurses in real healthcare facilities to care for patients, assist with daily living skills, and apply clinical knowledge.

• The Goal: Pass the state exam to become a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA I)—allowing you to work in hospitals or clinics right away or gain required clinical hours for college nursing programs.