Career Clusters COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Planning for Success!
Dear Student, A highly educated workforce is the key to prosperity for our region and all of North Carolina. Technically skilled, high educated workers are needed at all levels of business and industry. To be competitive, workers must also have the capacity for lifelong learning. Career Clusters was implemented starting with the freshman class of 2009-2010, and is aligned with the Future Ready Core graduation requirements. Each Career Cluster requires a common set of knowledge and skills for career success. This provides a foundation that prepares students for a full range of occupations and career specialties, rather than focusing on one career option.The Career Cluster program requires that students master a blend of academic, technical and employability knowledge and skills. The division between preparation for college and preparation for work no longer applies. Rigor and relevance are the necessary elements to create meaningful learning experiences and to motivate today’s students to learn for tomorrow’s economy. Rigorous content helps students develop analytical and critical skills that will be needed in the workplace, and relevance keeps the program grounded in the real world. The Career and Technical Education program in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools is based on a framework of studies that include differentiated academic content, integrated career and technical education courses, and avenues to acquire knowledge and experience recognized by business and industry. It provides the opportunity for students to gain a clear understanding of where they want to go, as well as the skills needed to get there.
Dr. Peter C. Gorman
Superintendent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.” Steven R. Covey, motivational author
Planning for Your Future DO YOU HAVE PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? If so, do your plans after high school aim toward the high-skill, high-wage jobs that can provide a comfortable lifestyle? National and state jobs data show that for most people, more training or education means more income and opportunities. In today’s fast-paced world, this is becoming more and more important. But just planning to go to college isn’t enough, you must link your educational plans to your career goals.
Take Charge of Your Plans YOUR PERSONAL TARGET For the first time you’ll have lots of choices to make about what you study. The choices you make for 9th grade - as well as 10th, 11th, and 12th - will affect the choices you’ll have for the rest of your life. No matter what you dream of doing with your life, preparing yourself for more education beyond high school is your wisest plan right now. Whether or not you go on to a college or university or career or technical school, the information and skills you learn in your high school classes will always be useful in the world of work.
Remember! Everyone, in every kind of job, needs to be able to write and speak clearly, listen carefully, understand what is written and spoken, and use math effectively.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
Start with the End in Mind WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Life: it’s all YOU – Your personality, your needs, your abilities, your relationships and your interests. So how do you land the dream job that matches you? Before you can connect the dots, you have to know what the dots are. The first one is you. Take the time for an interest survey. What do you like? You might be surprised what you learn about yourself. The next dot is education and training. The fact is, the number of jobs that require only a high school diploma and pay a family-supporting wage shrinks every year. By making plans now, exploring your career options through extra-curricular activities, job shadowing, and the internet, and connecting your high school education with a career and further training, you get on a path to success.
100 STUDENTS START 9TH GRADE
68 GRADUATE IN 4 YEARS
40 START COLLEGE
27 RETURN AS SOPHOMORES
18 GRADUATE COLLEGE IN 4 YEARS Source: Education Weekly
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
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Career Fields CMS has identified six Career Fields as a way to help you become aware of and explore careers in a logical and meaningful way. Career Fields are a good starting point for your career exploration.
Career Clusters Within the six Career Fields are 16 Career Clusters to further help with career exploration and career planning. CMS has two additional local clusters – Biotechnology and Motorsports. It is recommended that you select a Career Field of interest before or during high school to shape your plans for coursework; for all students, changing your mind won’t put you behind. As a high school student, choosing a Career Field is about selecting an area for deeper exploration, not locking in a life-long career plan. Exploring the skills and occupations represented in each field can give you a better understanding of the clusters and whether it is a good match for you. Many educational programs after high school target Career Fields or are even more specific for career specialties.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
CTE Career Fields Chart CAREER FIELDS
CAREER FIELD DESCRIPTION
CAREER CLUSTERS
Occupations in this career field are related to creative, visual craft and performing arts. This career field includes interior and fashion design, writing, film, fine arts, journalism, media and music.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Occupations in this career field are related to people’s health care needs.This career field includes health and wellness, research, technology, medicine, foods, nutrition and the environment.
Health Science/ Biotechnology
Business, Management & Technology Professions
Occupations in this career field are related to business occupations, administration, management marketing and sales, computer/information systems, web and graphic design.This career field includes entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, finance, accounting, economics and management, and information technology.
Business Management and Administration
Human Services Professions
Occupations in this career field are related to the personal and customer services, social services, legal services, and protective services.This career field includes education, government and law enforcement, leisure and recreation, military, religion, childcare, social services and personal (beauty) services.
Education and Training Government and Public Administration Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Law, Public Safety and Security
Occupations in this career field are related to the technology necessary to design, develop, install and maintain electrical, mechanical and structural systems.This career field includes architecture, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and related technologies.
Architecture & Construction Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics/Motorsports Transportation, Distribution and Logistics/ Manufacturing
Occupations in this career field are related to the natural sciences, food production, and agriculture.This career field includes foods, agricultural sciences, earth sciences, and horticulture.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Arts & Communication Professions
Health Professions
Industrial and Engineering Technology Professions
Natural Resources/ Agriculture Professions
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
Finance Information Technology Marketing Sales and Service
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Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Arts and Communication Professions
Business Management & Administration Finance Information Technology Marketing Sales and Service
Business, Management & Technology Professions
Career & Educ
Career Fi Career C
Human Services Professions
Hospitality and Tourism Human Services
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
Health Science Biotechnology
Health Professions
Technical ation
ields and Clusters
Architecture & Construction
Industrial and Engineering Technology Professions
Science,Technology, Engineering & Mathematics/Motorsports Transportation, Distribution & Logistics/Manufacturing
Natural Resources/ Agriculture Professions
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
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The 16 Career Clusters The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources. Careers in designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment.
Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
Business Management and Administration careers encompass planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Business Management and Administration career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy. Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services.
Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
Executing governmental functions to include Governance; National Security; Foreign Service; Planning; Revenue and Taxation; Regulation; and Management and Administration at the local, state, and federal levels. Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.
Hospitality & Tourism encompasses the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other foodservices, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services.
Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
The 16 Career Clusters, continued Building Linkages in IT Occupations Framework: For Entry Level, Technical, and Professional Careers Related to the Design, Development, Support and Management of Hardware, Software, Multimedia, and Systems Integration Services. Planning, managing and providing legal, public safety, protective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services.
Planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities
Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
Executing governmental functions to include Governance; National Security; Foreign Service; Planning; Revenue and Taxation; Regulation; and Management and Administration at the local, state, and federal levels. Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.
CTE Academic Internship Program Internships provide hands-on, work-based learning experiences for students in their areas of career or academic interest. Students must complete all requirements and activities outlined in the internship handbook in order to receive full or partial elective or CTE credit. Credit is awarded in one-quarter increments up to one unit of credit. CTE supports internship opportunities for high school students through the academic, course related, and/or general internship programs.The chart below highlights the requirements for the internship programs. CRITERIA
Credit Awarded Letter Grade Grade Point Average Application Required Transportation Provided Participation Time Eligible for Participation
ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP ANSWERS
Elective ¼, ½, or 1 YES NO YES NO After School & Summers Grades 10–12
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
Students interested in participating in an internship should see the Academic Internship Coordinator, Career Development Coordinator, or school counselor for further information and complete requirements for each internship program. CAREER CLUSTERS | 11
Career and Technical Student Organizations All students in career and technical programs have an opportunity to develop and extend their learning through participation in active Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). The program of work for each organization should be based on instructional competencies and be an integral part of the program. Any student enrolled in a career and technical course is eligible for membership in the career and technical student organization associated with that program. CTSOs develop character, citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education. They enhance students’ civic awareness and provide opportunities for developing social competencies and a wholesome attitude about living and working. SkillsUSA is a partnership of high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, skilled service, and health occupations. Teachers and industry representatives work together with students to ensure America has a skilled workforce. State Web site: http://www.skillsusanc.org/ National Web site: http://www.skillsusa.org/ The mission of DECA is to enhance the cocurricular education of students with interests in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA helps students develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self esteem, experience leadership and practice community involvement. DECA is committed to the advocacy of marketing and the growth of business and education partnerships. State Website: http://www.ncdeca.org/ National Website: http://www.deca.org/ HOSA provides career opportunities in the health care industry and enhances the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult and collegiate students enrolled in health science technology education programs. State Website: http://www.nchosa.org/ National Website: http:/www.hosa.org Future Farmers of America - FFA serves students enrolled in Agricultural Education courses in both public and private schools in grades 7-12. The North Carolina FFA Association is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through Agricultural Education. State Website: http://www.ncffa.org/ National Website: http://www.ffa.org/ 12 | CAREER CLUSTERS
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America - FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. Everyone is part of a family, and FCCLA is the only national Career and Technical Student Organization with the family as its central focus. FCCLA members strive to make a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. State Website: http://www.ncfccla.com/ National Website: http://www.fcclainc.org The Technology Student Association – TSA is an organization for middle and high school students and is affiliated with the international Technology Student Association (TSA). It is an integral component of the state’s Technology Education program. Participation promotes citizenship and leadership, and furthers technical skills and understandings. State Website: http://www.nctsa.org/ National Website: http://www.tsaweb.org/ Future Business Leaders of America (NC FBLA) is an organization that serves students who are or have been enrolled in a Business Education course. NC FBLA is affiliated with FBLA-PBL, which is a national organization. The mission of NC FBLA is to help build and sustain Business Education programs of excellence in order to serve our communities, state, and nation. State Website: http://ncfbla.org/ National Website: http://www.fbla-pbl.org/
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
School-Based National Academy Foundation ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING (MOTORSPORTS) Hopewell, Mallard Creek, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology,Vance These career academies prepare students for post-secondary education and careers through a theme-based, contextualized curriculum approach. Academic learning experiences are combined with a project based curriculum designed to help students develop the thinking and problem-solving skills so critical to postsecondary education and career success. The Academy of Engineering was developed in collaboration with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME).
ACADEMY OF FINANCE International Business and Communications School at Olympic This career academy prepares students for post-secondary education and career opportunities in Finance. The career academy provides a concentrated study of the financial services industry with specialized courses in finance, summer internships and numerous enrichment activities. Courses cover economics, taxation, budgeting, labor management relations, and international trade.
ACADEMY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology This career academy prepares students for post-secondary education and career opportunities in Information Technology. The students are engaged in in-depth studies in the fields of programming, database administration, digital networks and other areas in the expanding digital workplace. Academy participants are equipped with the personal, analytical, technical, and communication skills needed to succeed in the field of Information Technology and participate in an array of enrichment activities through summer internships.
CPCC Partnership Academies AUTOMOTIVE/MOTORSPORTS ACADEMY This career academy centers on the basic repair skills that are used in the automotive and motorsports industries. Courses in automotive and race car technology are offered at the North Campus. Students will earn college credits toward degrees in automotive, race car technology and engineering. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ACADEMY This career academy prepares students for career entry as contractors, foremen, estimators, construction superintendents and construction project managers. Construction Management Courses are taken at CPCC-Harper Campus. Students can earn college credits toward degrees in engineering, construction management and related fields and elective credits in high school. CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY This career academy centers instruction on planning, managing and providing corrective, security and protective, legal and homeland security services. Criminal Justice courses are offered at the CPCC-North Campus. Students participate in the Law Enforcement Explorers Post and a summer internship after their junior year.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
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High School Planning Use this log to begin drafting a plan to achieve your career goals. 9TH GRADE Credits Semester 2 Classes
Semester 1 Classes
Credits
_______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ Total credits
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Career interest activities (school organizations, employment, etc.)
Career interest activities (school organizations, employment, etc.)
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Awards/honors/achievements
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10TH GRADE Credits Semester 2 Classes
Semester 1 Classes
Credits
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Career interest activities (school organizations, employment, etc.)
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Questions to consider: Do you need more education? Will an apprenticeship or four-year college program help you achieve personal goals?
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
11TH GRADE Credits Semester 2 Classes
Semester 1 Classes
Credits
_______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ Total credits
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Career interest activities (school organizations, employment, etc.)
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12TH GRADE Credits Semester 2 Classes
Semester 1 Classes
Credits
_______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ _______________________ / _____ _________________________ / ______ Total credits
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Career interest activities (school organizations, employment, etc.)
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Other details to address before graduation: Exams required for further education or entry into a chosen career:___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Cost of postsecondary education and financing options: ____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Career and Technical Education 700 East Stonewall Street, Suite 400 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 Phone: (980) 343-5686 • Fax: (980) 343-6202
Reach Further. Global competitiveness starts here.
In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
