State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, alongside other leaders from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), visited the Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, to shine a spotlight on Union County Public Schools (UCPS) successful Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The visit included a presentation about credentials, programs, data and key partnerships.

CATA is a special programs high school with six academies: Information Systems, Pre-Engineering, Medical Science, Performing Arts, Transportation Systems and the International Academy.

The visit began with two classroom tours. Guests observed students fully engaged in hands-on activities. Truitt spoke with the teachers and students to learn more about what they were working on. The robotics and music production classrooms were impressive, with students enthusiastically working with advanced technologies and innovative techniques. The classrooms provided a glimpse into the varied and captivating learning experiences accessible to students.

CATA's auto shop served as the backdrop for the remainder of the visit. Principal Kevin Beals gave a warm welcome and shared valuable insights on the six academies, student life and their high graduation rate.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan expressed gratitude for Truitt's visit and recognized the work of the CTE Department. He emphasized the district's focus on college and career readiness. Dr. Houlihan highlighted the expansion of courses over the past years and the surge in partnerships, citing collaborations with entities such as the Union County Chamber Of Commerce, Monroe Economic Development Council, Union County Cooperative Extension, Atrium Health, Collins Aerospace, Charlotte Pipes, Scott Clark Toyota, South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University.

"These are phenomenal partners who work with us every day to ensure that our kids have opportunities to connect to real-world, relevant work-based skills and interests with a possible career in the future," said Dr. Houlihan. "When our kids graduate high school, we want them to be successful. Part of that success is their ability to possess non-academic traits such as problem-solving, leadership, innovation and collaboration, which helped us develop our Portrait of a Graduate, which aligns with the state's version. There is incredible work happening here and across the state."

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt has long prioritized aligning K-12 education with workforce needs. She commended UCPS for ranking among the top three districts in North Carolina for the number of credentials earned in the past three years, for building multiple partnerships with local employers and for hosting 97 students in internship programs this semester. She also highlighted that 99 percent of UCPS Concentrators earn their diploma by the end of their fourth year. Concentrators are students who complete a CTE pathway.

Truitt provided a sneak peek into the 2022-2023 Credential Attainment Data Report. She shared that over 325,000 credentials were earned by high school students in career and technical education (CTE) during the 2022-23 academic year. It is the highest attainment rate in the 13 years that North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction and the Office of Career and Technical Education (NC CTE) have been collecting data.

“This report is fantastic news for the state of North Carolina because it shows the hard work that CTE educators across the state are doing to bridge the skills gap,” said Truitt. “The process of earning industry-recognized credentials gives students an advantage in a competitive labor market and real-world experience. For potential employers, a credential is a sign that a student has both the knowledge and durable skills they need to succeed in the workplace.” 

Brian Davis, the director of career readiness, expressed gratitude for the many dedicated professionals who make technical education possible.

"Career planning is a vital part of students' education. Good career planning is done by using data and with stakeholders so students can make educated decisions about career and college pathways. That is where our team truly shines," said Davis. "By leveraging tools, resources and expertise, we ensure our students chart a course that aligns with their interests and talents. We give them opportunities to customize their futures, whether it's pursuing a four-year degree, an associate's degree or entering the workforce with valuable credentials."

At the event, three students shared their educational pathway experiences. Sydney Cook from Cuthbertson High talked about Adobe Academy. Naomi Udenze from CATA shared insights on software and game design. Andrew Toy from Monroe High highlighted practical experiences in the Construction Academy.

"Even the most stressful part of these classes has huge benefits for students. The tests offer industry-recognized certifications that become a real resource for students going into a career field," said Sydney. "The bonus of adding certifications to a resume immediately creates employment opportunities for students right out of high school. Certifications also look great on college applications. Students get to take these tests for free, saving them hundreds of dollars."

Industry partners such as Kale Hallman from McGee Brothers, Kris Hannah from State Utility Contractors and Rod Goodall of Scott Clark Toyota spoke at the event. They all agreed that focusing on CTE and earning credentials helps students gain industry-relevant knowledge, receive hands-on learning experiences and increase their earning potential.

"We had 39 high school employees working for us over the summer, eight of which were from Piedmont High," said Hannah. "Put a tool in their hand at 16 years old, and by the time they are in their 20s, they will be more than ready to build a house. If students come to us with OSHA 10s, NCR certificates, practice using a hammer and laying bricks, it expedites their training. The more experience they have when they come to us, the faster they can progress in their career."

UCPS CTE Highlights

• 97 student interns were placed with local industry partners.
• 99% of UCPS concentrators earned their diploma by year four.
• 12,985 industry-recognized credentials in 2022-2023.
• 18,624 6-12 grade students took at least one CTE course.
• 119 students qualified for national competitions.
• 11 middle/high schools reached platinum status for Major Clarity.