New Hanover County Schools

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Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education at New Hanover County Schools gives students the hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world skills to answer with confidence - in high school and beyond. 

CTE students collaborating in classroom setting
Middle school students engaged in hands‑on CTE activity

CTE in Middle School

The workforce doesn't wait - and neither does CTE. Middle school students begin building career awareness and exploring their options through:

  • Hands-on service learning and career-focused field trips

  • Job shadowing and mentoring with local professionals

  • Guest speakers from high-demand industries

  • Career fairs that bring future possibilities to life

High school students participating in a CTE–work‑based learning project

CTE in High School

High school students go deeper - gaining the real-world experience and industry credentials that set them apart. CTE pathways prepare students for what's next through:

  • School-based enterprises and simulated workplaces
  • Internships and pre-apprenticeships aligned with local industry
  • Work-based learning that connects classroom skills to real careers

CTE enrollment form illustration, two students engaged with microscope

Join the CORE Program

The Career Opportunities and Real-World Experiences (CORE) Program gives students hands-on experience inside local businesses - working alongside local employers, earning high school credit, and building the skills the workforce is calling for. Businesses gain a motivated future talent pipeline. Students gain a head start on what comes next.

High school students participating in a CTE–work‑based learning project
Headshot: Mandy Mills, Director of Career & Technical Education

Mandy Mills
Director of Career & Technical Education
mandy.mills@nhcs.net

Headshot: Stephanie Scott-Gaddy, Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator (PPOC)

Stephanie Scott-Gaddy
Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator (PPOC)  stephanie.scottgaddy@nhcs.net

Headshot: Rick Graveen, Curriculum & Instructional Management Coordinator

Rick Graveen
Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator
richard.graveen@nhcs.net

Headshot: Shannon Mitchell, Work‑Based Learning and Special Pops Coordinator

Shannon Mitchell
Work-Based Learning and Special Pops Coordinator
shannon.mitchell@nhcs.net

Headshot: Carolina Weiss, Administrative Assistant

Carolina Weiss
Administrative Assistant 

carolina.weiss@nhcs.net

New Hanover County Schools and its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability, in its activities and programs, including employment policies and practices. 

Las Escuelas del Condado de New Hanover y su Programa de Educación en Carreras Técnicas no discrimina a ninguna persona de sus actividades o programas, incluyendo prácticas de empleo, por razones de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, o discapacidad.