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Buncombe schools highlight CTE growth: internships, industry credentials and career planning for 8th graders
Summary
District staff told the board that Buncombe County Schools are expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities: credential attainment rebounded after COVID, internships rose to about 133–134 this year, and the district has completed interest assessments for eighth graders to support state-required career development planning.
Buncombe County Schools presented an update on Career and Technical Education (CTE) during the board meeting, reporting growth in industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning opportunities and district alignment with the strategic plan.
Michelle Smith, the district director of CTE, told the board the district completed interest assessments for all eighth graders as part of state-required career development planning and is integrating CTE goals with the district strategic plan. "When we complete our career development lessons, all eighth graders will advance to the ninth grade, plan and classes that get them into the right courses and career pathways at the high school level," Smith said.
Smith provided data on credentialing: CTE offered a wide range of industry-recognized credentials across programs (she cited 44 Department of Public Instruction credentials and examples including ServSafe in foods courses, CNA and nursing fundamentals). She told the board there were about 975 students earning industry-recognized credentials in school year 2023–24, compared with nearly 1,200 in an earlier year; the district is working to rebuild credential attainment levels after COVID-related declines. Smith also reported growth in work-based learning — internships, job shadowing and pre-apprenticeships — and said the district counted about 133 internships this school year (she noted one more had been added the day of the meeting).
To support teachers and program quality, Smith described professional development and Paxton Patterson lab modules for health science courses, and district career development coordinators at each high school to coach new teachers. "All of our high schools have five modules at least with Paxton Patterson to supplement those health science courses," Smith said.
Why it matters: The district is emphasizing credentials and work-based learning to give students direct pathways to industry, postsecondary training or employment. Board members praised the outreach and urged continued focus on funding and sustaining these programs.
Funding context: A board member reminded the public that much CTE funding comes from federal sources, supplemented by state funds; board members encouraged community members to advocate with elected officials to maintain funding for these programs.
