More students than ever are earning industry credentials and connecting to career pathways, contributing to North Carolina’s top workforce development ranking. This progress reflects meaningful achievement while also highlighting the policy work still required to sustain and expand opportunity for all students.
CTE Students Earn Record-Breaking Industry Credentials
Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned the highest number of industry-recognized credentials in North Carolina history last school year. The state ranks second in the nation for the percentage of K-12 students participating in a CTE course, and nearly 60% of students enrolled in CTE coursework successfully attained credentials. Students who concentrate in CTE pathways, or those taking multiple courses within a career track, also graduate on time at notably high rates.
For students, CTE credentials expand options, from immediate employment to postsecondary education and training. These pathways are associated with higher engagement and improved career readiness. For schools, offering robust CTE programs can support stronger attendance and on-time graduation outcomes.
According to Site Selection Magazine–a publication widely read by professionals who influence company location and expansion decisions–North Carolina ranks first in the nation for workforce development. This ranking reflects the strength of the state’s talent pipeline, business climate, and workforce readiness–all made possible by the dedicated work of North Carolina’s public schools.
Sustaining CTE Success: Policy and Investment
Credential attainment is most impactful when it aligns with labor market demand and leads to sustainable-wage opportunities. While North Carolina’s top ranking reflects meaningful progress, an important policy consideration is ensuring equitable access and continued expansion of CTE pathways statewide. Currently, NC CTE offers fewer than half of the credentials identified by the NC Workforce Credentials Initiative as priority credentials aligned to high-demand, sustainable-wage careers. The state is also working to address disparities in enrollment and attainment among certain student groups, including gaps by race and gender.
Sustaining this momentum will require continued collaboration among K-12 schools, employers, and the North Carolina Community College System to ensure programs reflect evolving workforce needs. It also calls for policies that strengthen educator recruitment, retention, and professional development in CTE fields.
DPI attributes part of the consistent growth in credential attainment to increased state funding from the General Assembly, which enabled all public schools to offer credentialing opportunities. While recognition of this progress is warranted, continued success depends on stable and adequate funding, targeted support to expand equitable access, investment in the educator pipeline, and sustained partnership with businesses statewide.
Leave a Reply