The National Career Clusters Framework serves as a guiding organizational structure for Career Technical Education (CTE) leaders and partners to create inclusive, industry-responsive, and learner centered CTE programs and experiences.

The Framework was first established in 2002 through a collaborative effort of the federal government and states, facilitated by Advance CTE. Since that time, Advance CTE, on behalf of the states, has continued to serve as its steward. The original Framework design was used in some form in all 50 states and multiple territories, and it was used around the world to inform career development tools and platforms. In 2022, Advance CTE launched the multiyear Advancing the Framework initiative to modernize the Framework. **North Carolina will implement this new Framework with the 2026-2027 year. Please see the information below for changes in TCS CTE.

All NC CTE courses align to the modernized Framework. Each course is placed in a Career Cluster based on a set of knowledge and skills common to all careers in the entire Career Cluster. Industry validated knowledge and skills statements of student expectations identify what the student should know and be able to do. They prepare students for success in a broad range of occupations/career specialties. Some CTE courses cross over multiple Career Clusters.

The modern Framework consists of 14 Clusters and 72 Sub-Clusters that serve as the primary organizing structures for CTE programs. These structures are supported by five Cluster Groupings aligned to purpose and impact of included careers, and a Connecting and Supporting Student Success grouping (which includes three Cross-Cutting Clusters) that provide both skills and careers that can stand alone and intersect with all other Clusters. Twelve Career-Ready Practices ensure that every program includes the skills that are essential to every career and life.

*All students have access to every cluster offered by TCS through dual enrollment at all locations.

*Clusters are linked to NCcareers.org and pathways are linked to the NC CTE Course Management System.

CULTIVATING RESOURCES (Cluster Grouping)

Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Cluster (Divided into 2 Clusters)

Agriculture (AGRI) Cluster

Animal Science (ANSC) Pathway

Plant Systems (PLSV) Pathway

Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE) Pathway

Energy and Natural Resources (ENNR) Cluster

Natural Resources (NARE) Pathway

BUILDING AND MOVING (Cluster Grouping)

Architecture & Construction Cluster → renamed Construction (CONS) Cluster

Carpentry (CARP) Pathway

Drafting Architectural (DRFA) Pathway @ BHS

Electrical Trades (ELTR) Pathway @ BHS

Interior Design (INDE) Pathway → moved to CREATING & EXPERIENCING (Cluster Grouping) and Arts, Entertainment, and Design (ARED) Cluster

Masonry (MASO) Pathway

Advanced Manufacturing (ADMF) Cluster

Technology Engineering and Design (TEND) Pathway (moved from Science, Tech, Engineering & Math Cluster) (level I only for 26-27)

CARING FOR COMMUNITIES (Cluster Grouping)

Education Cluster (added in 25-26)

Early Childhood Development and Services Pathway (EACH) - partnership with BRCC

Health Science Cluster → renamed Healthcare and Human Services (HCHS) Cluster

Healthcare Professional Pathway (HPCP)

Public Service and Safety (PSSA) Cluster (added to CTE in 25-26)

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps JROTC Pathway (JRTC)

CONNECTING AND SUPPORTING SUCCESS (Cluster Grouping)

Information Tech Cluster → renamed Digital Technology and Computer Science (DTCS) Cluster

Computer Science Principles Pathway (CSPR)

Business Management & Admin  → renamed Management & Entrepreneurship (MGTE) Cluster

Entrepreneurship (ENTRE) Pathway

Marketing Cluster→ renamed Marketing and Sales (MRKS) Cluster

Marketing Management (MMGT) Pathway

Sport and Event Marketing (SEMK) Pathway → returns for 26-27 year @ RHS

CREATING AND EXPERIENCING (Cluster Grouping)

Arts, A/V, Technology & Communications renamed Arts, Entertainment, and Design (ARED) Cluster

3D Modeling and Animation (TDMA) Pathway (on hold at this time)

Adobe Academy (ADAC) Pathway → divided into two pathways

Adobe Graphic Design (AGFX) Pathway

Adobe Video Design (AVID) Pathway (currently only offer Adobe Video Design I)

Interior Design (INDE) Pathway (moved from Architecture and Construction Cluster)

Hospitality & Tourism Cluster→ renamed Hospitality Events and Tourism (HOET) Cluster

Culinary Arts Applications (CULA) Pathway

Hospitality and Tourism Management (HOTM) Pathway @BHS

 Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security Cluster→ renamed Public Service & Safety (PSSA) Cluster

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) (JRTC) Pathway

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Cluster 

Technology Engineering and Design (TEND) Pathway→ moved to BUILDING & MOVING (Cluster Grouping) and ADVANCED MANUFACTURING Cluster

Career and College Promise (CCP) @ Blue Ridge Community College