Integrated Education Training (IET)

Central Piedmont’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs are designed to help adult learners build academic skills and job skills at the same time. IET programs provide a faster, more supported path into high-demand careers, allowing you to strengthen your reading, writing, math, or English language skills while earning industry-recognized credentials.

What Is an IET Program?

Integrated Education and Training (IET) is a structured approach in which adult education and literacy instruction, workforce preparation, and hands-on workforce training are delivered concurrently and contextually. All three components work together to support your success in a specific occupation or career field.

Every IET program is built around a Single Set of Learning Objectives (SSLO). This means that the academic skills, workplace readiness skills, and technical training are intentionally aligned—so you experience the program as one cohesive learning pathway rather than separate classes.

Why Choose an IET?

IET programs are designed to:

  • accelerate your progress toward a career or further education
  • help you earn industry-recognized credentials while still enrolled in adult high school, high school equivalency, or ESL
  • strengthen academic and workplace readiness skills needed for employment
  • provide coordinated support from instructors, advisors, and workforce partners

Who Are IETs For?

IET pathways are designed for adult learners who want to:

  • improve academic or English language skills
  • train for a new career or advance in their current field
  • enter the workforce more quickly with recognized credentials
  • receive structured support while learning both technical and academic content

Whether you are an ESL student, completing your HSE or AHS diploma, or exploring a new career path, IET programs offer a clear, supported route into the workforce.

Learn more.

Eligibility

To participate in any IET programs, you must be enrolled in a College and Career Readiness (CCR) program at Central Piedmont, such as:

  • Adult High School
  • High School Equivalency (HSE)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Independence & Literacy Education for Adults with Disabilities (I-LEAD)

If you are not enrolled in one of these programs, please reach out to Admissions.

What Is the Difference Between IET and IELCE?

IET is a broad model available to both ESL and non-ESL students and focuses on integrated academic and workforce training.

IELCE is a federal program specifically for English language learners and must include a connected IET pathway along with English language and civics instruction. IELCE requires that English language instruction and civics education be delivered in combination with workforce training.

Pre-IET Course

To ensure students are prepared for success in their IET programs, all students must complete a prerequisite course: BSP 4012 Pathways to College Success.

This course is designed to support students navigating common barriers as they build the academic, personal, and professional skills essential for college success. Students will develop study skills, time management skills, and goal setting skills. The course also guides students in understanding and choosing a career pathway that aligns with their strengths, values, and long-term goals. Additionally, students will connect with campus resources, develop a support network, and strengthen a sense of belonging within the college community. 

To get started, complete the student interest form linked below and then meet with either an advisor or instructor coordinator.

IET Courses

All IET pathways are only available during fall and spring semesters. Students must complete their pre-IET courses prior to acceptance into an IET cohort. Students must also interview with an advisor and program coordinator. Students will also be required to attend orientation.

Students may only enter into one IET pathway. ESL students will be placed in the IELCE IET pathways. (ABE) Adult High School, High School Equivalency and I-LEAD students will be placed in regular IET pathways.

Please note: Integrated Education Training Pathways are NOT associate's degrees. They are certification programs that can lead to industry recognized credentials and certifications. Additionally, you will complete coursework that can be applied to associate degrees or continuing education programs at Central Piedmont should you wish to pursue a degree in addition to the IET program. You will learn more about this in your pre-IET Transitions to College and Career Pathways course.

This program is fast paced. You will be: 
- taking college classes 
- learning a skilled trade 
- building job readiness skills 
- preparing for industry certification

To get started, complete the student interest form linked below.

Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration (HVAC) EPA 608 Certification Program

This program begins a path into the career field by getting students started in the first two classes for the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Apartment/Rental Maintenance (C35100-C9) certification pathway.

  • HVAC IET (for ABE Students)

    To participate, you must hold a level 5 or 6 in Reading, Language, and Math.
    You will be enrolled in three classes at the same time:

    • HVAC curriculum courses:
      • These two foundational courses provide real-world skills in system installation, repair, and maintenance. They also prepare you for the EPA 608 Technician Certification in refrigerant handling—a key credential for entry-level HVAC jobs.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This support class is designed to help you succeed in your HVAC classes. This class provides: 
      • support with AHR 160 assignments 
      • help understanding HVAC concepts 
      • academic and program support for success 
      • workplace preparation connected to HVAC 
         

  • HVAC IELCE (for ESL Students)
    • HVAC curriculum courses:
      • These two foundational courses provide real-world skills in system installation, repair, and maintenance. They also prepare you for the EPA 608 Technician Certification in refrigerant handling—a key credential for entry-level HVAC jobs.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This support class is designed to help you succeed in your HVAC classes. This class provides: 
      • support with AHR 160 assignments 
      • help understanding HVAC concepts 
      • academic and program support for success 
      • workplace preparation connected to HVAC 
      • English language support for HVAC vocabulary 
      • extra support for program success 

Basic Auto Repair - NCSI & OBD II Certification

The Basic Auto Repair Program equips you with basic automotive skills to prepare for a career in the automotive field. The entry level auto repair and maintenance track will include the NCSI certification and OBD II Certification. Upon successful completion of the program and exams, you will be qualified for employment in various automotive technician or mechanic positions. To enroll in this program, you must: - have a valid driver’s license from NC, GA, SC, TN, or VA - attend an orientation session - be comfortable working in an automotive garage environment - have a history of good attendance - be willing to complete homework - have a valid test score The Basic Auto Repair program does not require a high school diploma.

  • Basic Auto IET (for ABE Students)

    In addition to the requirements above, you must hold a level 5 or 6 in Reading, Language, and Math to enroll in Basic Auto IET as an ABE student.

    You will be enrolled in two classes at the same time:

    • Continuing Education course - Basic Auto Repair (in person): This 10-week foundational course provides real-world, hands-on skills in automotive repair and maintenance. Training takes place in a real automotive lab environment at the Joe Hendrick Automotive Center on the Levine Campus. Students prepare for and earn the NCSI Certification and OBD II Certification.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This 16-week support class is designed to help you succeed in your automotive class. This class provides:
      • support with Basic Auto assignments
      • help understanding automotive concepts
      • academic and program support for success
      • workplace preparation connected to Automotive Technology

  • Basic Auto IELCE (for ESL Students)

    In addition to the requirements above, you must hold a level 5 or 6 in Reading and Language to enroll in Basic Auto IELCE as an ESL student.

    You will be enrolled in two classes at the same time:

    • Continuing Education course - Basic Auto Repair (in person): This 10-week foundational course provides real-world, hands-on skills in automotive repair and maintenance. Training takes place in a real automotive lab environment at the Joe Hendrick Automotive Center on the Levine Campus. Students prepare for and earn the NCSI Certification and OBD II Certification.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This 16-week support class is designed to help you succeed in your automotive class. This class provides:
      • support with Basic Auto assignments
      • help understanding automotive concepts
      • academic and program support for success
      • workplace preparation connected to Automotive Technology
      • English language support for automotive vocabulary
      • extra support for program success

Fundamentals of Food - ServSafe® Manager

This 10-week program provides up-to-date information for all employee levels on aspects of handling food. This program will prepare you to pass the ServSafe® Manager certification exam. You will learn about food safety and prepare for employment in the restaurant industry. Upon successful completion of the program and exam, you will have the opportunity to receive your ServSafe® Manager Certification. Fundamentals of Food does not require a high school diploma.

  • Fundamentals of Food (for ABE Students)

    To enroll in this program, you must hold a level 5 or 6 in Reading, Language, and Math.

    You will be enrolled in two classes at the same time:

    • HOS 7301 Fundamentals of Food (In-person, Central Campus) - This 10 week course will help you gain hands-on experience with cooking and sanitation practices in a commercial kitchen. You will learn kitchen safety and sanitation, knife skills, and many foundational cooking methods. You will also become comfortable using typical equipment in a restaurant kitchen. After completing this class, you will be prepared to work as a prep cook in the restaurant industry.
      This course prepares students to take the SERVSafe Manager Certification Exam.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This 16-week support class is designed to help you succeed in your fundamentals of food class. This class provides:
      • support with Fundamentals of Food assignments
      • help understanding food safety and kitchen management concepts
      • academic and program support for success
      • workplace preparation connected to food service and hospitality careers

  • Fundamentals of Food for IELCE (For ESL students):

    To enroll in this program, you must hold a level 5 or 6 in Reading and Language.

    You will be enrolled in two classes at the same time:

    • HOS 7301 Fundamentals of Food (In-person, Central Campus) - This 10 week course will help you gain hands-on experience with cooking and sanitation practices in a commercial kitchen. You will learn kitchen safety and sanitation, knife skills, and many foundational cooking methods. You will also become comfortable using typical equipment in a restaurant kitchen. After completing this class, you will be prepared to work as a prep cook in the restaurant industry.
      This course prepares students to take the SERVSafe Manager Certification Exam.
    • College and Career Readiness support class: This 16-week support class is designed to help you succeed in your fundamentals of food class. This class provides:
      • support with Fundamentals of Food assignments
      • help understanding food safety and kitchen management concepts
      • academic and program support for success
      • workplace preparation connected to food service and hospitality careers
      • English language support for food service vocabulary
      • extra support for program success

Program Interest Form

Submit Interest Form

Employers and Community Partners

IET programs are designed in collaboration with local employers to align with real workforce needs. We invite employers to:

  • partner on curriculum development or classroom presentations
  • offer work-based learning opportunities or internships
  • hire IET graduates who are equipped with both foundational and technical skills

For more information, email Tiffany Solod.

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