Accelerated Career Training

Live in the Charlotte region? Unemployed, underemployed, or limited to low-wage jobs? Step up from a job to a career.

Accelerated Career Training

  • Focused
    We offer options that will give you the skills you need for a specific job.
  • Fast
    Complete your program in 9–16 weeks and start your new career.
  • Free
    These free job training programs cover all required costs including tuition, books, fees, and services.

The Accelerated Career Training candidate 

  • lives in the Charlotte area
  • seeks to improve their economic status
  • unemployed or underemployed
  • is a self-starter and highly motivated
  • seeks guidance to explore career path options with a career coach
  • actively seeks employment and/or career growth
  • is able to adapt and commit to scheduled classes

What you can expect

Attain meaningful employment through fast job training in high-growth career paths.
Accelerated Career Training, provides you with the following: 

  • access to a personalized Career Success Coach who will help you decide on your career path
  • personalized help during your program to support your day-to-day life challenges

Background checks and drug screening are not required for participation in Accelerated Career Training programs, but may be required for future employment.

WORKING SMART CLASSES

By participating in an Accelerated Career Training program you are also required to attend Working Smart: Soft Skills for Workplace Success classes. The Working Smart course supports the Accelerated Career Training program course by going beyond technical skills, helping you master the soft skills that employers believe are critical to increasing your chances for employment, job success, and promotion. Working Smart is recognized and valued by Mecklenburg County employers.

If you have previously completed the Working Smart course and have a certificate, you will not need to complete the course again. Please provide us with a copy of your Working Smart Certificate to fulfill this requirement.

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Accelerated Career Training Programs and Deadlines

  • CDL-A/Truck Driving

    Details

    Program length: 9 weeks
    Courses: CDL 7200 and Working Smart
    Location: Merancas Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins: September 2024

    Requirements

    The CDL-A/Truck Driving program does not require a high school diploma.

    • must be at least 18 years old
    • must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license
    • obtain a North Carolina Class A learner’s permit with no limiting restrictions
    • pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical and hold a valid DOT medical card
    • pass a DOT drug screen within a week before the first day of class. Negative results are required to enroll/remain in class
    • drug screening and criminal background check may be required for employment
    • attend a CDL/truck driving Accelerated Career Training information session.

    You must come to class with the permit, medical card, and drug screen. The drug screen cannot be dated more than seven days before the first day of class.

    Priority Application Deadline

    This program is full for the spring 2024 semester.
    Application deadline for Fall 2024 semester: May 26, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Culinary Apprentice Certificate

    Details

    Program length: 9 weeks
    Courses: HOS 7300 and Working Smart
    Location: Central Campus
    Offered: Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins: June 2024

    Requirements

    The Culinary Apprentice Certificate does not require a high school diploma.

    Priority Application Deadline

    This program is full for the spring 2024 semester.
    Application deadline for Summer 2024 semester: April 7, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Early Childhood Education

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Courses: EDU 119  and Working Smart
    Location: Harris Campus
    Offered: Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins: May 20, 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    Summer 2024: April 7, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Courses: EMT 7306 and Working Smart
    Location: Merancas Campus or Levine Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins:  January 8, 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    This program is full for the spring 2024 semester.
    Fall 2024: May 26th, 2024

  • Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC)

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Courses: AHR 110, AHR 160 and Working Smart
    Location: Harper Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins: August 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    Fall 2024: May 26, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • IT Fundamentals

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Course: CTI 120, CTI 130 and Working Smart
    Location: Central Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins:  August 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    Fall 2024: May 26, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Nurse Aide I

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Course: NUX 7501 and Working Smart
    Location: Central Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall Semesters
    Next Session Begins: August 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    Fall 2024: May 26, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Phlebotomy

    Details

    Program length: 16 weeks
    Course: MLA 7001 and Working Smart
    Location: Central Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semesters
    Next Session Begins: August 2024

    Requirements

    Priority Application Deadline

    Fall 2024: May 26, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  • Basic Auto Repair

    Details

    Program length: 8 weeks
    Course: AUX 9503 and Working Smart
    Location: Levine Campus
    Offered: Spring and Fall semester
    Next Session Begins: September 2024

    The Basic Auto Repair program does not require a high school diploma.

    Priority Application Deadline

    This program is full for the spring 2024 semester.
    Application deadline for Fall 2024 semester: July 22, 2024
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.