North Carolina's power, structural, and technical systems pathway prepares students for careers managing farm equipment, power systems, and structures. Students develop expertise in equipment maintenance and repair, electrical systems, hydraulic controls, and structural design for agricultural facilities. This pathway serves both agricultural and construction applications throughout the state.
Curriculum covers small engine repair, electrical systems troubleshooting, welding and fabrication, and structural analysis. Students learn to diagnose and repair complex machinery, design and build agricultural structures, and manage power systems. Hands-on laboratory work in campus workshops develops practical competency.
Graduates work as equipment technicians, farm machinery specialists, equipment dealers, and agricultural contractors. Many establish independent repair shops or equipment rental businesses serving North Carolina's agricultural and construction industries.
Power, Structural, and Technical Systems at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's power, structural, and technical systems curriculum meets state standards for agricultural equipment, electrical systems, and structures. Students complete 4-6 pathway units covering equipment operation, maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, and fabrication as defined by NC DPI.
Programs emphasize safety, quality workmanship, and technical troubleshooting. Students learn compliance with environmental regulations and industry safety standards.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Construction Core | IC00 |
| HVACR I | IC31 |
| HVACR II | IC32 |
| HVACR III | IC33 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,560 - $59,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,898
Farm Equipment Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $56,410 - $103,310
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,889
Hydraulics Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,560 - $59,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,898
Equipment Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,450 - $158,460
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,364
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at equipment dealerships, farm service centers, and equipment rental companies across North Carolina's agricultural regions.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
Electrical Trades
North Carolina's Electrical Trades pathway prepares students for careers as electricians in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The program covers electrical theory, wiring methods, National Electrical Code (NEC), motor controls, and increasingly important topics like renewable energy systems and building automation. Students work with actual electrical components, wiring systems, and control panels, learning proper installation, troubleshooting, and repair procedures. Training emphasizes safety, code compliance, and quality workmanship essential for professional electricians. Many programs include hands-on projects wiring buildings or installing electrical systems. North Carolina's construction boom and growing emphasis on renewable energy create strong demand for skilled electricians. The pathway provides foundation for apprenticeship programs leading to journeyman and master electrician licenses, offering career opportunities with excellent wages and job security.
Trade and Industrial EducationWelding
North Carolina's Welding pathway prepares students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. The program covers multiple welding processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding, along with cutting techniques, blueprint reading, and metallurgy. Students develop skills in various welding positions and with different materials, from mild steel to aluminum and stainless steel. Training emphasizes weld quality, inspection procedures, and adherence to American Welding Society (AWS) codes. Many North Carolina programs have students complete actual fabrication projects for schools and community organizations, providing authentic learning experiences. North Carolina's manufacturing sector—including automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries—creates strong demand for skilled welders. The state's construction boom, particularly in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh, further increases employment opportunities for welding graduates.
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