Overview of North/South Carolina CTE Internship Programs in High Schools

North Carolina

Overview of North Carolina CTE Internship Programs in High Schools

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to integrate academic and technical skills for postsecondary education, industry credentials, or workforce entry. These programs emphasize work-based learning (WBL) as a capstone for pathway completion, per the NC CTE Planning Guide. The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like construction technology, carpentry, electrical trades, masonry, and drafting. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE concentration (e.g., on the transcript), students must:

Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits).
Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1) or complete structured WBL (e.g., 100+ hours).
Participate in WBL, such as internships, apprenticeships, or cooperative education, aligned with local labor markets.

WBL is coordinated locally by districts and career centers, funded via Perkins V grants (~$20M annually). Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it often includes paid/unpaid placements through partnerships with community colleges (e.g., NC Community College System) and organizations like SkillsUSA. North Carolina’s construction sector projects 9% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$48,000+; in 2024-25, ~845,000 students enrolled in CTE, with concentrators achieving 98% graduation rates.

Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction

NCDPI’s primary internship mechanism is the CTE Internship (Course #9918A), a capstone for pathways under the 2026-27 CTE Course Inventory. For Construction, it involves supervised placements applying skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms/sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours. Certain pathways (e.g., Construction Technology) have built-in WBL components. WBL requires a training agreement, mentor supervision, and evaluations; it counts toward concentration status if 100+ hours.

Program/Course Name	Credits	Level/Grade	Description	Eligibility/Requirements
CTE Internship in Architecture & Construction (Course #9918A, WI03 Capstone)	1 (full-year)	Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors)	Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, electrical, or drafting. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio development; integrates SkillsUSA. Leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials.	Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher recommendation; training agreement. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid options via employer partners ($10-15/hour).
CTE Apprenticeship in Construction (Course #WA03)	1-2	Advanced (Seniors)	Paid apprenticeship-style internship (200+ hours) with DOL-registered contractors, combining site work and RTI; emphasizes green concepts in architecture. Culminates in pre-apprenticeship hours.	Senior status; pathway enrollment; ILP alignment; employer match. WBL coordinator required; hazardous work waiver for 16+. Paid at minimum wage+.
CTE Cooperative Education in Building Trades (Course #WO03)	1	Capstone (Seniors)	Part-time paid work-study (15+ hours/week) with local builders, applying sustainable practices; includes workplace challenges/industry projects.	Age 16+; 3 pathway credits; interview/employer match. Counts toward CTE concentration; transportation student responsibility. Paid.

These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2025-26 NCDPI frameworks):

Introductory: Exploring Safety and Tools in the Trades (TY40, 0.5 cr.), Exploring Carpentry (TY50, 0.5 cr.).
Technical (Construction Focus): Construction Technology I (1 cr.), Electrical Trades I (1 cr.), Drafting II – Architectural (IC62, 1 cr.).
Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER credentials.

District and Program Examples

NCDPI approves CTE pathways in ~500 high schools and 100+ career centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~300 sites via hands-on labs. Partnerships with NC Community Colleges and ABC North Carolina enhance WBL. Examples:

Person High School (Roxboro): Construction pathway with CTE internships for career competencies; students observe daily operations and perform job tasks; 85%+ completers enter trades/college.
Pitt County Schools (e.g., via Pitt County Early College High): Carpentry/electrical POS with cooperative education; partners with local builders for paid placements; focuses on green building.
Guilford Technical Community College Partners (e.g., Page High School): Drafting/architecture pathway with apprenticeships; dual credits leading to WBL in project management.
Wake County Public School System: Urban construction focus with internships via SkillsUSA; high placement in infrastructure roles.
Cumberland County Schools (e.g., Jack Britt High): Building trades with pre-apprenticeship WBL; serves military families with heavy equipment emphasis.

For a full list, see the 2026-27 CTE Course Inventory or NC CTE Pathways.

Additional Opportunities and Resources

NC CTE Planning Guide: Outlines WBL strategies tailored to local demands.
Perkins V Grants: Funds WBL expansion and credentials.
Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; integrated into internships.
How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via district (fall deadlines). Use PowerSchool for ILP planning; working papers required for minors.
Outcomes: CTE concentrators have 98% graduation rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement.

For details, visit NCDPI CTE Page or email cte@dpi.nc.gov.

South Carolina

Overview of South Carolina CTE Internship Programs in High Schools

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) administers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools through the Career and Technical Education (CATE) initiative, aligned with 16 national career clusters to prepare students for postsecondary education, credentials, or high-skill careers. These programs emphasize work-based learning (WBL) as a fourth-unit capstone for pathway completion, per the 2025-26 Student Reporting Procedures Guide. The Architecture & Construction career cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in cabinetmaking, electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and building construction. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE endorsement (e.g., on the transcript), students must:

Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits).
Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1) or complete structured WBL (e.g., 135+ hours).
Participate in WBL, such as internships, co-ops, or youth apprenticeships, aligned with labor market demands.

WBL is coordinated locally by districts and technical colleges, funded via Perkins V grants (~$12M annually). Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it prioritizes paid/unpaid placements through advisory councils and partnerships like SkillsUSA. South Carolina’s construction sector projects 8% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$48,000+; in 2024-25, ~150,000 students enrolled in CTE, with completers achieving 95%+ graduation rates.

Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction

SCDE’s primary internship mechanism is the CTE Internship, Work-Based Credit Bearing Course, a structured capstone under the CATE framework. For Construction, it involves supervised placements applying skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms/sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours. WBL requires a written contract, training plan, and evaluations; it counts toward completer status as a fourth unit.

Program/Course Name	Credits	Level/Grade	Description	Eligibility/Requirements
CTE Internship, Work-Based Credit Bearing Course in Construction (Capstone)	1 (full-year)	Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors)	Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 135 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, plumbing, or electricity. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio; leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials. Integrates SkillsUSA.	Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher recommendation; written contract/training plan. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid options via employer partners ($10-15/hour).
Cooperative Education (Co-Op) in Building Trades	1-2	Capstone (Seniors)	Year-long paid work-study (15+ hours/week) with sponsored worksites, combining RTI and on-site trades like cabinetmaking; requires contract between school and employer.	Senior status; pathway enrollment; ILP alignment; employer match. WBL coordinator required; counts as fourth unit. Paid at minimum wage+.
Youth Apprenticeship in Construction	Variable (School-Year/Summer)	Advanced (Juniors/Seniors)	Paid structured program (200+ hours) for age 16+, earning while learning trades; includes community service and field studies. Targets high-demand occupations.	Age 16+; pathway interest; application via school coordinator. Hazardous work waiver; aligns with SC WBL definitions. Paid; leads to journeyman path.

These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2025-26 SCDE frameworks):

Introductory: Introduction to Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
Technical (Construction Focus): Carpentry I (1 cr.), Electricity I (1 cr.), Plumbing Principles (1 cr.), Building Construction (1 cr.).
Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Trades with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER credentials.

District and Program Examples

SCDE approves CTE pathways in ~250 high schools via districts and technical centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~150 sites through hands-on programs. Partnerships with SC Technical College System and ABC South Carolina enhance WBL. Examples:

Greenville County Schools (e.g., Golden Strip CTE Center): Carpentry/plumbing POS with co-ops at local builders; advisory councils match students; 85%+ completers earn credentials.
Richland County School District One (e.g., Lower Richland High): Electricity/construction pathway with paid internships; partners with industry for urban trades; high WBL participation.
Charleston County School District: Building construction focus with youth apprenticeships; dual enrollment via technical colleges for seamless transition.
York County Schools (e.g., York Comprehensive High): Cabinetmaking/electrical with structured field studies leading to co-ops; emphasizes rural infrastructure.
Spartanburg District Six (e.g., Spartanburg High): Perkins-funded WBL in masonry; regional teams connect to employers.

For a full list, see the SC CTE Career Clusters or 2025-26 Course Catalog.

Additional Opportunities and Resources

SC CTE Engagement Opportunities: Includes service learning and structured field studies for exploration.
Perkins V Grants: Funds WBL expansion and employer incentives.
Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; integrated into WBL.
How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via district (fall deadlines). Use SCOIS for reporting; working papers required for minors.
Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates; construction pathways yield 80%+ postsecondary/workforce placement.

For details, visit SCDE CTE Page or email CareerReadiness@ed.sc.gov.