Community Colleges in North Carolina/ South Carolina

Community Colleges in North Carolina/ South Carolina

Community Colleges with Construction Pathways

These SCTCS institutions offer certificates, diplomas, associate degrees (e.g., AAS in Construction Engineering Technology), and workforce training, often with NCCER certifications and dual-enrollment for high school students.

CollegeLocationProgram Details
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville, SCConstruction Engineering Technology AAS; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Focus on building, operation, and maintenance of structures; Dual enrollment for high school students.
Piedmont Technical CollegeGreenwood, SCBuilding Construction Technology; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Comprehensive education in residential and light commercial building; Hands-on training.
Technical College of the LowcountryBeaufort, SCConstruction Management Certificate; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Covers all phases of construction management; Dual enrollment options.
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway, SCConstruction Management Technology AAS; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Prepares for employment in construction fields; Hands-on skills.
Midlands Technical CollegeColumbia, SCBuilding Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Programs in construction trades; Dual enrollment with high schools.
Clemson University (partnership with SCTCS)Clemson, SCBachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Advanced pathway with accreditation; Transitions from community college programs.

Additional Resources for Both States

  • State CTE Programs: Check NCDPI (dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/career-and-technical-education) for NC and SCDE (ed.sc.gov/instruction/career-and-technical-education) for SC.
  • Community College Systems: NCCCS (nccommunitycolleges.edu) for NC and SCTCS (sctechsystem.edu) for SC.
  • Funding and Expansion: Supported by Perkins V grants; Emphasis on equity and sustainable construction.
  • Certifications: Common include NCCER, OSHA, and industry-based credentials for college credit or job placement.

For programs in specific areas, contact local districts or state education departments. Both states integrate CTE in most high schools for broad access.

Construction Career Pathway Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina offers comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). These align with the Architecture & Construction career cluster, providing certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core/Level 1, OSHA-10/30, and industry credentials in areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction management. Programs emphasize hands-on training, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Over 100,000 students participate in CTE programs annually, with pathways supported by initiatives like NCDPI’s Career Pathways and NCCCS partnerships for stackable credentials.

Below is a compiled list from NCDPI resources, NCCCS, district websites, and CTE directories. It’s organized by type (high school districts and community colleges) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive; for full listings, visit NCDPI (dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/career-and-technical-education) or NCCCS (nccommunitycolleges.edu).

High School Districts with Construction Pathways

These public districts offer CTE at the high school level, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options.

District/SchoolLocationProgram Details
Durham Public Schools (e.g., Riverside High School)Durham, NCConstruction Technology Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Focus on building trades, carpentry, and electrical; Work-based learning and dual enrollment with Durham Technical Community College.
Guilford County Schools (e.g., Northeast Guilford High School)Greensboro, NCArchitecture & Construction Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on training in construction management and trades; Dual enrollment with Guilford Technical Community College.
Wake County Public School System (e.g., Wake Forest High School)Raleigh, NCBuilding Construction Technology; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Pathways in carpentry and construction; Work-based learning with Wake Technical Community College.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (e.g., Olympic High School)Charlotte, NCConstruction Trades Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Focus on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing; Dual enrollment with Central Piedmont Community College.
Cumberland County Schools (e.g., Cape Fear High School)Fayetteville, NCConstruction Management Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on projects in building trades; Dual enrollment with Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Florence 1 Schools (e.g., Advantage Academy)Florence, NCCTE Construction Classes; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Available to students from multiple high schools; Hands-on training in building trades.
Catawba County Schools (e.g., Various high schools)Newton, NCCTE Course Options in Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Pathways integrated with academics; Work-based learning opportunities.
Kinston High School (Lenoir County Public Schools)Kinston, NCCTE in Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Part of broader CTE offerings including agriculture and engineering crossovers.

Community Colleges with Construction Pathways

These NCCCS institutions offer certificates, diplomas, associate degrees (e.g., AAS in Construction Management Technology), and workforce training, often with NCCER certifications and dual-enrollment for high school students.

CollegeLocationProgram Details
Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC)Jamestown, NCManufacturing, Transportation, and Construction Career Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Programs in construction management, welding, and HVAC; Dual enrollment for high school students.
Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte, NCConstruction and Trades Career Field; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Certificates and AAS in HVAC, construction management, electrical systems; Hands-on training with industry partnerships.
Cape Fear Community CollegeWilmington, NCConstruction Management; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; AAS and certificates in building trades; Dual enrollment options; Focus on rewarding construction careers.
Durham Technical Community CollegeDurham, NCBuilding, Engineering, & Skilled Trades; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Programs in construction, welding, and HVAC; Dual enrollment and workforce preparation.
Pitt Community CollegeWinterville, NCBuilding Construction Technology; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; High school options for dual credit; Focus on construction skills and management.
Sandhills Community CollegePinehurst, NCCTE in Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Programs for high school students earning college credits; Focus on technical career pathways.

Additional Resources

  • NCDPI CTE Programs: 16 career clusters with Architecture & Construction offering sequenced pathways; Visit dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/career-and-technical-education for district tools and program standards.
  • NCCCS Program Finder: 58 community colleges offering construction-related programs; Emphasis on dual credit and apprenticeships (nccommunitycolleges.edu).
  • Funding and Expansion: Supported by Perkins V grants; Emphasis on equity and green construction.
  • Certifications: Common include NCCER, OSHA, and industry-based credentials for college credit or job placement.

For programs in specific areas (e.g., Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte), contact local districts or NCDPI. North Carolina integrates CTE in most high schools for broad access.

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