October 5, 2025

Buncombe County Enhances Career and Technical Education Programs

Buncombe County, October 5, 2025

News Summary

Buncombe County is significantly improving its career and technical education (CTE) programs to better equip students for the skilled labor market. With specialized programs in automotive technology, welding, and agriculture, students from middle to high school are engaging in hands-on learning experiences. Recent initiatives include visits to local industries and the establishment of a business advisory council to strengthen partnerships. The district aims to increase student participation, especially among women, in vocational training to address the national skilled labor shortage.

Buncombe County is enhancing its career and technical education (CTE) programs to better prepare students for the skilled labor market. The initiatives aim to provide students with the opportunity to explore diverse career pathways in trades and STEM fields, such as welding and agriculture.

High school students can participate in various specialized programs, including automotive technology, woodworking, agriculture, horticulture, and welding. Meanwhile, middle school students are engaging in career exploration activities designed to align their interests with high school courses and future career opportunities.

As part of the district’s commitment to career exploration, students from Buncombe County and Asheville City schools recently visited Eaton Corporation in Arden on “Manufacturing Day.” During the event, students participated in STEM activity rotations and toured the facility, where they focused on energy-efficient products and sustainable practices.

Michele Smith, the director of CTE for Buncombe County Schools, underscores the importance of guiding eighth graders in their career exploration and development plans. CTE courses are available to students from middle school through 12th grade, and each high school has a dedicated career development counselor to assist students in navigating their options.

The school district facilitates various supportive resources, including internships, mentoring, and project-based courses, to better prepare students for college and the workforce. North Buncombe High School features a specialized welding program taught by Darryl Fox, who has been recognized as Buncombe County Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year. Fox’s welding students are being equipped for various career pathways, including four-year college, technical careers, family businesses, and immediate workforce entry.

There has been a noticeable increase in the participation of female students in welding programs, with many achieving professional certifications through AB Tech. This aligns with efforts to address the nationwide shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry, as highlighted by Ed Brady, president/CEO of the Home Builders Institute, who notes that there are currently 300,000 open positions.

Brady advocates for introducing students to trades like carpentry and electrical work beginning in middle school, emphasizing the need for early exposure to these careers. In a bid to further strengthen school-industry collaboration, a new business advisory council will commence in November. This council will consist of 25 members, with the goal of showcasing student work and promoting hands-on learning opportunities.

Currently, approximately 22,000 students are enrolled in Buncombe County Schools, and the district plans to expand its CTE offerings to meet growing demand while also providing honors-level coursework tailored to the needs of students.

Key CTE Programs and Initiatives in Buncombe County Schools

CTE opportunities available from middle school through 12th grade
Diverse high school programs include automotive technology, woodworking, agriculture, horticulture, and welding
Supportive resources such as internships and mentoring available to students
Business advisory council to enhance school-industry collaboration
Focus on preparing students for technical careers, four-year colleges, and immediate workforce entry

FAQs about CTE Programs in Buncombe County Schools

What types of programs are offered in Buncombe County Schools for career and technical education?

The district offers programs in automotive technology, woodworking, agriculture, horticulture, and welding.

Which activities do middle school students engage in regarding career exploration?

Middle school students participate in career exploration activities designed to align their interests with future high school courses.

What is the purpose of the new business advisory council starting in November?

The business advisory council aims to strengthen school-industry collaboration by showcasing student work and promoting hands-on learning opportunities.

What is the current student enrollment in Buncombe County Schools?

Approximately 22,000 students are enrolled in Buncombe County Schools.

Key Features of CTE Programs in Buncombe County Schools

Feature	Description
CTE Program Types	Automotive technology, woodworking, agriculture, horticulture, and welding
Career Exploration	Activities for middle school students to align interests with future courses
Business Advisory Council	New initiative to strengthen school-industry collaboration
Current Student Enrollment	Approximately 22,000 students in Buncombe County Schools
Supportive Resources	Internships, mentoring, and project-based courses to prepare students