Career Pathways

Removing Barriers to Employment, One Path at a Time.

Career Pathways is a holistic approach to developing City of Charlotte employees and creates upward mobility opportunities for Charlotte residents. City programs fall within five categories:

Technical and soft skill training | High school GED program | College reimbursement | Mentorship | Continuing Education

The city uses a multi-path approach to develop a well-rounded and diverse talent pool, with more opportunities for growth and upward mobility.

Technical and soft skill training

• Career and Training Academy - Hosts 50 Charlotte residents annually who have barriers to employment learn technical and soft skills with a greater chance of employment.
• Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn. An immersive U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship program that allows participants to execute essential duties, while earning academic and industry recognized education upon completion of the program. Apprentices gain critical on-the-job training that will fuel a fulfilling career. This program is open to all.
• Pipeline Academy - Paid on-the-job training in a variety of vocational occupations that serve in a water service environment or related environment infused with soft skills training.

High School

• GED program - Available for all City of Charlotte employees who desired to complete their high school education. Participants are recognized as Central Piedmont Community College students the HiSET exam.

College reimbursement

• All regular full-time and regular part-time employees of the City of Charlotte are eligible for educational assistance. Tuition, required fees and texts upon successful completion of the coursework are reimbursed.

Mentorship

• Shared Leadership Learning - Provides valuable support to enhance the development of City of Charlotte employees by pairing them with members of leadership outside their work area. This experience recruits and retains a skilled and diverse workforce as well as promotes learning and growth.
• Mayor's Youth Employment Program - Provides high school students with equitable career development opportunities to explore the world of work, build social capital, and enhance economic mobility during an 8-week paid summer position.
• Internship
  • Summer internships available for rising college juniors and seniors in an accredited four-year college or university. This opportunity provides students with networking opportunities as well as career planning.
    • Airport Intern Program
    • CMPD Intern Program
    • Youth Programs
  • Opportunity Scholarship program includes financial support over two years for Central Piedmont Community College, as well as an internship with the department.
  • Fellowships - The City Manager's Fellowship Program is a highly competitive program that trains future city leaders. The Fellowship provides recent graduate students the opportunity to work closely with the City Manager and his senior leaders, as well as with key community partners on important and pressing issues.

Continuing education

• Organizational Development and Learning Courses - Builds knowledge, skills and abilities of the City of Charlotte workforce by helping them develop and achieve their potential so that the organization and employee can work together toward success and growth .