ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Schools is highlighting career and technical education (CTE) opportunities as students explore pathways in fields ranging from welding to agriculture.
High school students can choose from programs such as automotive technology, woodworking, agriculture, horticulture, and welding, while middle school students participate in career exploration activities, which encourages them to consider high school classes that align with their interests.
On Friday, buses of students from Buncombe County and Asheville City schools visited Eaton Corporation in Arden for “Manufacturing Day.” Students rotated through STEM activities before touring the facility, learning about energy-efficient products and sustainable business practices from the global power management company.
Michele Smith, director of CTE for Buncombe County Schools, said the district works closely with students to match interests and assessments with course offerings. “We start intentionally with eighth graders, guiding them through career exploration and development plans, so they can choose high school courses that align with their goals,” she said.
CTE courses begin in middle school and continue through 12th grade. Each high school has a career development counselor to help students understand options, particularly when course titles may not clearly convey content. Smith said the district also provides internships, mentoring, and project-based courses to prepare students for both college and the workforce.
Some programs are unique to individual schools. For example, North Buncombe High offers a dedicated welding program, taught by Darryl Fox, Buncombe County Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year and soon-to-be Western Region Teacher of the Year. Fox said his students include those planning four-year college paths, technical careers, family business roles, and immediate entry into the workforce. He also noted increasing participation of female students, with many achieving professional certifications through AB Tech programs.
“Businesses are looking for skilled workers, and our students are ready,” Fox said. “We need more partnerships with local companies to provide equipment, training, and career pathways directly in our schools.”
The need for skilled labor extends beyond schools. Ed Brady, president and CEO of the Home Builders Institute, said the construction industry faces a national shortage of workers, with more than 300,000 open positions. He emphasized introducing students to trades like carpentry and electrical work as early as middle school.
“Everybody likes to build, especially at a young age. Letting young people work with their hands gets them interested in careers that pay well and are sustainable,” he said.
Smith said the district’s new business advisory council, launching in November with 25 members, aims to strengthen collaboration between schools and local industry. “These partnerships showcase what students are doing in the schools and open doors for hands-on learning,” she said.
With approximately 22,000 students in the district, Smith said Buncombe County Schools is expanding CTE offerings to meet demand and provide opportunities for honors-level coursework while tailoring programs to individual student needs.