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.
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.
With Accelerated Career Training, you will get access to a personalized Career Success Coach who will help you decide on your career path.
During your program, you will get support for your day-to-day life challenges.
We have more than 50 different career and technical education pathways created to help you get a head start on a great career.
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 taken through Career & College Promise dual enrollment are tuition-free for CMS students in fall and spring semesters.
Choose from Dual Enrollment Career and Technical Pathways or Dual Enrollment College Transfer Pathways.
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 dual high school and college credits, enjoy paid internships, learn from field experts, and acquire valuable construction certifications, all free of charge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today's job market is more competitive than ever before. It's time for you to set yourself apart 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.
Get higher pay, college credit, and degree outcomes leading to career pathways; global, portable credentials, and economic mobility with an increased standard of living.
Year Up is a free, year-long program that prepares students for entry-level technology and customer-facing roles.
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.
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.