Accelerated Career Training
Step up from a job to a career. Accelerated Career Training at Central Piedmont is focused, fast, and free.
What You Can Expect
The College and Career Readiness Accelerated Career (ACT) Program offers individuals in the Charlotte region who are unemployed, underemployed, or limited to low-wage jobs the opportunity to attain 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
- personalized help during your program to support your day-to-day life challenges
Background checks and drug screening are not required for participation in all all Accelerated Career Training programs, but may be required for future employment.
Working Smart Classes
By participating in an Accelerated Career Training program you are also required to attend Working Smart classes. The Working Smart course supports your Accelerated Career Training program course by focusing on helping you master the skills that employers believe are critical to job success and on increasing your chances for employment and promotion. The Working Smart Course will cover resume development, interview preparation, and job search techniques. The Working Smart course will also give you personalized help during your program to support your day-to-day life challenges and ensure that you are successful in completing your courses. Working Smart is recognized and valued by Mecklenburg County employers. If you have previously completed the Working Smart course and have a certificate, you will not need to complete the course again — provide us with a copy of your Working Smart Certificate to fulfill this requirement.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness offers programs to develop students’ academic skills, earn a high school equivalency (GED or HiSET) or adult high school diploma, learn English as a second language (ESL), develop employability skills and participate in various work-based-learning experiences, or explore career and post-secondary educational opportunities. Many programs are free or at a very low cost for qualified participants.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.