Career and Technical Education
Whether you always knew what you wanted to be when you grew up or you’re just beginning to dream of what your future holds, Central Piedmont can help you define your journey — and reach your destination. One direction is to take a direct path to employment. Our Career and Technical Education programs provide hands-on, real-world experience to help you successfully navigate the transition from college to career.
Opportunities at Central Piedmont
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Accelerated Career Training program (ACT)
The College and Career Readiness Accelerated Career Training (ACT) Program helps individuals in the Charlotte region who are unemployed, underemployed, or limited to low-wage jobs find meaningful employment through fast job training in high-growth career paths.
Career Success Coach
With Accelerated Career Training, you will get access to a personalized Career Success Coach who will help you decide on your career path.
Personalized Support
During your program, you will get support for your day-to-day life challenges.
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Career & College Promise Dual Enrollment
We have more than 50 different career and technical education pathways created to help you get a head start on a great career.
Earn College Credits, Explore Careers
Earn credits toward a job credential, certificate, or diploma in a technical career. Get a "jump start" and earn college credit toward a two-year or four-year degree while still in high school.
Classes are Tuition Free
Classes taken through Career & College Promise dual enrollment are tuition-free for CMS students in fall and spring semesters.
Career and Technical Education
Choose from Dual Enrollment Career and Technical Pathways or Dual Enrollment College Transfer Pathways.
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The ROC: Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction
Central Piedmont and the ROC (Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction) are working together to train and certify high school students for in-demand trade skills in construction that employers desperately need.
Earn College Credit and Get Paid, at No Cost to You
Earn dual high school and college credits, enjoy paid internships, learn from field experts, and acquire valuable construction certifications, all free of charge.
Day and Evening Training
High school students: complete career and technical education coursework through the ROC during daytime hours.
Adults: train to earn industry certifications at Goodwill in the evenings.
Career & College Promise Pathway
The program provides a Career & College Promise Pathway in Construction Technologies that prepares you to enter the workforce, apply for an apprenticeship, or transfer between 41 and 53 credit hours toward an associate degree at Central Piedmont, depending on your area of concentration.
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NCWorks NextGen
If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, NCWorks NextGen can truly change your life. NextGen is a comprehensive education, training, and employment program that will help you achieve meaningful employment.
The Right Path for Young Adults with Barriers to Employment
Our knowledgeable and caring advisors will help you every step of the way — at no cost to you.
With NCWorks, you get career planning, GED or HiSET, or adult high school classes, occupational training, resume and interviewing help, paid internships, and more.
Prepare and Launch a Career in Demand
Complete the program with a Working Smart certification in soft skills, job readiness skills, a high school credential, paid work experience, and a plan for your future.
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Work-Based Learning, Apprenticeships, and Internships
Today's job market is more competitive than ever before. It's time for you to set yourself apart from other applicants.
Stand Out from Other Applicants
Gain valuable, real-world experience directly related to your field of study — experience employers are likely to expect from job candidates in a tight job market.
Gain Valuable Work Experience
Get higher pay, college credit, and degree outcomes leading to career pathways; global, portable credentials, and economic mobility with an increased standard of living.
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Year Up
Year Up is a free, year-long program that prepares students for entry-level technology and customer-facing roles.
Free, One-Year Program for Young Adults (Ages 18-24)
Earn college credits and a weekly stipend while spending one semester taking technical and professional skills classes taught by Central Piedmont and Year Up staff. Spend the following semester in a full-time, credit-bearing internship at a corporate partner company.
Access to Library, Tutoring, and Other Services
As a Year Up student, you will have access to Central Piedmont’s many services, including the college library and tutoring resources, as well as additional Year Up services.
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