What is career development?
Career development consist of the development of students career interest through career counseling, education, advising, and career exploration. In Harnett County Schools, students use Major Clarity to explore careers, create resumes, and so much more.

What is career exploration?
Career exploration provides students the opportunity to learn about different career fields and opportunities.  Students are given the chance to explore careers first in the Major Clarity platform and then through field trips, job shadowing, internships, and possible apprenticeships (depending on the career field). All of these opportunities must be scheduled in advance and through the Career Development Coordinator. With job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships, students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the work sites.

What is CTE?
CTE stands for Career and Technical Education. CTE courses are available in various program areas and serve as elective classes for middle and high school students. For a glimpse of what CTE is, check out the video below.

What are CTE Academies?

In Harnett County, academies are a way to to enhance and provide a more focused learning experience for students who want to pursue a career in a specific field of study. Three of our four academies are collaborative efforts between Harnett County Schools and Central Carolina Community College.

Harnett County Schools CTE Academies include:
- Harnett Health Sciences Academy*
- Harnett Agriculture Academy* (Triton and Western students only)
- Harnett Teacher Academy*
- Public Safety Academy (includes: Fire Fighting, Law & Justice or EMT)
Public Safety is the only school based academy and no application is required.
*Membership in these three academies include an application process and formal interview.

These programs are provided through efforts of the Career and Technical Education Department of Harnett County Schools. For more information on these programs at WHHS, contact the WHHS Career Development Coordinator, Lauren Banker.