Career Clusters

All Davidson County School students are encouraged to complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) career cluster that aligns with their post-secondary plans. Students can choose to complete 4 credits in Career and Technical Education, JROTC, Arts or an Academic discipline. Students following the CTE path must complete a second level, capstone course in order to be considered a CTE completer or concentrator. There are many different career clusters designated by the Department of Public Instruction based on national clusters. Please check with your Career Development Coordinator for the list of career clusters offered at your school. 
 
16 North Carolina Career Clusters
 
Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
Are you interested in the science of producing the food and fiber we use everyday? Do plants, animals, forests, wetlands, and the study of the newest trends in biotechnology interest you? If so, a career in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources may be for you! Careers in this area range from a horticulturist to a forest ranger and an agricultural extension specialist to a veterinarian.
 
Architecture & Construction
Are you interested in designing and building residential or commercial structures? Does working with a team of individuals in building a house interest you? If so, a career in Architecture and Construction may be for you! Careers in this area range from a carpenter to a construction manager and a drafter to a designer.
 
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Are you interested in fashion, design, art, or editing? Does television or radio announcing interest you? How about being the next person to design an award winning magazine or webpage? If you answered yes to these questions, a career in Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications may be for you! Careers in this area range from a graphic designer to an interior designer and an artist to a sports announcer.
 
Business Management & Administration
Are you interested in crunching numbers, working with groups of people, or organizing events? Does selling, promoting or working with business computer applications interest you? If so, a career in Business, Management, and Administration OR Finance may be for you. Careers in these two areas range from an CEO to a personnel manager and an administrator to a salesperson, and finance officer to a banker.
 
Education & Training
Are you interested in a career that involves planning, managing, training, or educating others? If so, then a career in the Education and Training cluster may be a good fit. Some possible careers include teacher, coach, administrator, fitness trainer, and instructional coordinators.
 
Finance
Are you interested in crunching numbers, working with groups of people, or organizing events?  Does selling, promoting or working with business computer applications interest you?  If so, a career in Business, Management, and Administration OR Finance may be for you.  Careers in these two areas range from an CEO to a personnel manager and an administrator to a salesperson, and finance officer to a banker.
 
Government & Public Administration
Are you interested in a career that involves governmental functions that include national security, foreign service, revenue and taxes, and regulation? If this sounds of interest to you, then consider a career in the Government and Public Administration cluster. Careers include Surveyers, Accountants, Tax Examiners, Auditors, Chief Executives, Legislators, Reporters and Correspondents.
 
Health Science
Are you interested in helping people get well? Does working in the healthcare industry interest you? If so, a career in Health Science may be for you. Careers in this area range from a registered nurse to a dental assistant and a paramedic to a medical doctor.
 
Hospitality & Tourism
Are you interested in logo design, planning, and sports? If so, a career in Marketing OR Hospitality and Tourism may be for you! Careers in this area range from a marketing manager to a travel agent
 
Human Services
Are you interested in helping others by providing a service in the areas of childcare, counseling, or personal or consumer services? If so, then a career in Human Services may for right for you. Careers in this area may include early childcare education workers, counselors, mental health services, teachers, social workers, barbers, tailors, customer service or sales representative or bankers. These are just a few of the careers that fall under the Human Services cluster.
 
Information Technology
Are you interested in engineering and computers? Does repairing and building computers and networks interest you? If so, a career in Information Technology may be for you! Careers in this area range from a robotics specialist to a systems manager and a network administrator.
 
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Are you interested in making the lives of others better? Does working within an area that has constant contact with others throughout the day interest you? If so, a career in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security may be for you!
 
Manufacturing 
Are you interested in operating and repairing various parts and equipment? Does robotics, welding, machining, and cutting metal interest you? If so, a career in Manufacturing may be for you! Careers in this area range from a manufacturing manager to a welder and an industrial manager to a machinist.
 
Marketing
Are you interested in logo design, planning, and sports? If so, a career in Marketing OR Hospitality and Tourism may be for you! Careers in this area range from a marketing manager to a travel agent
 
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Are you interested in planning, managing, or providing scientific research and professional and technical services? If so, you may enjoy pursuing a career in the STEM cluster. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Some of the more common career fields in STEM are engineers, Drafters, Architects, Technicians, Chemists, Scientists, Analysts, and Biologists just to name a few.
 
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Are you interested in planes, trains, and automobiles? Do terms like aerospace, aerodynamics, and down force interest you? If so, a career in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics may be for you! Careers in this area range from a pilot to a motorsports team member and an auto technician to a NASA engineer.
 
Career Cluster Guide for Parents and Students
 
Each cluster consists of a sequence of Career and Technical Education courses designed to prepare the student for work and post-secondary education. Students must complete four courses in a cluster, one of which must be of "capstone/completer" course to be considered a completer or concentrator. A capstone/completer course is a second level course designed to complete the students' studies in the selected career cluster.

Please contact your Career Development Coordinator at your school to receive a guide that will assist you in the selection of your cluster and the development of your Career Development Plan.