Employment
Students who are interested in employment upon graduation can explore pathways to earn a credential, learn a specialized skill, or participate in an apprenticeship to earn while they learn.
Iredell’s Roadmap
to Employment
Our public schools offer a variety of programs to customize education based on interests, needs, and goals. For students pursuing employment immediately upon graduation, there are options to learn a skill needed for a trade. Career and Technical Education School and Career Academies provide work-based learning and credential opportunities leading to employment. Learn more about choice programs on our K-12 page, and consider specialized postsecondary programs for shorter-term training and industry credentials.
Career Pathways Leading to
Credentials and Careers
Career and Technical School centrally located in Troutman, began in 2009 and offers 12+ career pathways and academies of study for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students enrolled in the program experience hands-on learning in specific trades that will earn them experience and a credential leading to employment immediately following high school graduation.
Career academies are small, personalized learning communities in high school that are focused on a particular pathway of study that equip students with job skills and ready them for success in the workplace. They combine academic and career and technical curricula around a specific career them and have established partnerships with local employers to provide career awareness and work-based learning opportunities for students. There are 12+ program pathways that are offered to students in Iredell County.
Career and Technical Education pathways provides students with the opportunity to take a series of classes in a field of interest that ultimately lead to an industry recognized credential or college transfer credits. These courses may be offered by the high school or through partnership with Mitchell Community College through their Career and College Promise program.
Mitchell Community College has two campuses, located in Statesville and Mooresville, and provides postsecondary education to support individuals looking to achieve skilled training, earn a credential or certificate, pursue their Associates Degree, or enhance their skills and knowledge. The programs and curriculum they offer maps directly to the needs of local industry. Programs offered by the community college include Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Healthcare, Nursing, Production Technician, Public Safety, and Welding.
Trade Pathways & Practical Learning
NASCAR Technical Institute, located in Mooresville and is the exclusive educational provider for NASCAR and only campus in the US to offer NASCAR-endorsed training. The 146,000 square foot campus features five core programs: Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, CNC Machining, HVACR and Robotics & Automation and graduates 1,200 students annually. Talented engineers and mechanics working for NASCAR teams have spun off advanced manufacturing operations of their own with capabilities to serve additional industries, including medical equipment, aerospace and defense.
NC Manufacturing Institute – Whether you are straight out of high school or looking for a new career, NCMI works in partnership with industry to train individuals for manufacturing jobs in Rowan, Cabarrus, and Iredell Counties. The classes are offered in 8 or 16 week training programs and is offered at no charge for qualified job seekers.
An Apprenticeship is employer-driven. An apprentice is an employee of the company. The employer creates work training and wage progression for the between local businesses and Mitchell. An apprenticeship can be one year to four years, based on the training required by the employer. Internships provide students with an opportunity to participate in work-based learning experiences where a student participates in the daily operations of a worksite under the direct supervision of a business mentor. Ideally, the work experience should contribute to the student’s career pathway helping the student to narrow their career choices. The program primarily targets seniors, making them eligible for one high school credit with 135 hours of work-related experience. To be eligible for an internship, students have to complete, or be enrolled in, a second level course in a CTE career pathway. For seniors, the school schedule can be worked around internship placement so the student can intern during the school day. Internships can be paid or unpaid, but some are tied to an industry credential, while others may turn into regular employment.
Attainment of an industry-recognized certification or credential ensures that students graduate from high school prepared for a globally competitive workplace or postsecondary education.
Mooresville Graded School District, Iredell Statesville Schools, and Mitchell Community College provide students with opportunity to earn an industry recognized credential or transfer credits toward college giving them a competitive advantage for a career out of school or postsecondary opportunities.
Additional Resources
Industry Employment & Trends
Advanced Manufacturing Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Automotive Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Logistics & Distribution Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Financial Services Industry Profile Charlotte Region
Innovation Economy Profile Charlotte Region
Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Profile Charlotte Region