October 5, 2025

Buncombe County Expands Career and Technical Education Opportunities

Buncombe County, October 5, 2025

News Summary

Buncombe County Schools is enhancing career and technical education (CTE) offerings to better prepare students for skilled trades and STEM careers. Students are engaging in various pathways including welding, automotive technology, and agriculture. Middle schoolers participate in career exploration aligned with high school courses. Initiatives such as the Manufacturing Day and collaborations with local industries are designed to equip students with essential skills for future employment while addressing workforce demands.

Buncombe County is enhancing career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for its students, aiming to prepare them for skilled trades and STEM careers. The district has expanded its CTE offerings, allowing students to explore a variety of pathways, including welding, automotive technology, agriculture, horticulture, and woodworking. These initiatives are tailored to equip students with the necessary skills for future employment or higher education.

Middle school students are actively participating in career exploration activities that help align their interests with prospective high school classes. On “Manufacturing Day,” students from Buncombe County and Asheville City schools had the opportunity to visit Eaton Corporation in Arden. This visit involved engaging in STEM activities, touring the facility, and learning about energy-efficient products and sustainable business practices.

Michele Smith, the director of CTE for Buncombe County Schools, emphasized the significance of guiding eighth graders through career exploration and development plans. CTE courses are offered from middle school through the twelfth grade, with high school career development counselors available to assist students in understanding available course options. The district provides various support mechanisms, including internships, mentoring, and project-based courses, designed to prepare students for both higher education and entry into the workforce.

Specific CTE programs, such as the welding program at North Buncombe High, are led by distinguished instructors like Darryl Fox, who has been recognized as Buncombe County Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year. Notably, there has been increasing participation from female students in the welding program. Many of these students have successfully achieved professional certifications through programs at AB Tech.

On a broader scale, Ed Brady, president and CEO of the Home Builders Institute, reported a national shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry, with over 300,000 open positions across the country. To address this demand, Smith indicated the launch of a new business advisory council in November, which will consist of 25 members aimed at enhancing collaboration between local schools and industries.

The district is committed to expanding its CTE offerings to meet the increasing demand and intends to provide honors-level coursework tailored to individual student needs. Additionally, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is planning the development of a 70,000-square-foot manufacturing hub that will focus on research and workforce training. A-B Tech’s president, Dr. John Gossett, highlighted the relevance of reskilling workers to prepare them for future workforce challenges, including advancements in artificial intelligence. The community college is currently pursuing a $30 million grant to support the construction of this innovation hub at Biltmore Farms.

County commissioners have expressed reservations regarding the sustainability and economic viability of this facility, while A-B Tech currently runs 13 pre-apprenticeship programs covering skills such as machining and HVAC service. These collaborations between educational institutions and industries are structured to effectively prepare students for high-demand career paths.

Buncombe County Schools offers three certified career pathways: hospitality and tourism, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Furthermore, the district partners with local businesses to facilitate hands-on learning experiences for students, providing them with greater exposure to various career options. Asheville City Schools initiate career training and exploration as early as elementary school, laying the groundwork for students’ future educational and career choices.

FAQ Section

What are some of the CTE opportunities available in Buncombe County Schools?

Students have options to explore pathways in various fields, including welding, automotive technology, agriculture, horticulture, and woodworking.

How does Buncombe County Schools engage middle school students?

Middle school students engage in career exploration activities aimed at aligning their interests with future high school classes.

What is Manufacturing Day and what did students do during this event?

On “Manufacturing Day,” students from Buncombe County and Asheville City schools visited Eaton Corporation in Arden, participated in STEM activities, and toured the facility.

What is the significance of the new business advisory council?

Smith announced a new business advisory council launching in November with 25 members to enhance collaboration between schools and local industries.

What programs does A-B Tech currently offer related to workforce training?

A-B Tech currently operates 13 pre-apprenticeship programs in skills such as machining and HVAC service.

Key Features of Buncombe County Schools CTE Expansion

Feature	Description
CTE Pathways	Includes fields like welding, automotive technology, agriculture, horticulture, and woodworking.
Middle School Engagement	Career exploration activities for aligning interests with high school classes.
Manufacturing Day	Students visit local businesses, participate in STEM activities, and learn about industry practices.
Business Advisory Council	Aim to enhance collaboration between schools and local industries.
A-B Tech Workforce Programs	Offers 13 pre-apprenticeship programs in various skilled trades.