Although Charlotte, North Carolina began as an agricultural hub during America's early days, it has emerged as a major trading, distribution, and financial center over the past several decades thanks to its proximity to major shipping and railway lines. With a degree, certificate, or diploma from one of Charlotte's many trade, technical, or vocational schools, you can potentially enter diverse fields such as public policy, health services, education, or urban planning, both in the private and public sectors. Below is a breakdown of the more promising industries in Charlotte's diverse economy:

• Financial Activities. 69,000 jobs
• Leisure and Hospitality. 71,000 jobs
• Government. 104,700 jobs
• Manufacturing. 106,200 jobs
• Professional and Business Services. 118,700 jobs
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. 176,500 jobs

Trade Schools and Charlotte, North Carolina's Economy

Banking, nursing, teaching, and government services are not the only career fields for which Charlotte's trade schools can prepare you. This city enjoys a thriving car culture, with NASCAR and associated auto sports creating demand for those with intricate knowledge of engines, automotive design, car repair, and related services. The city has numerous vocational and technical schools that offer courses and degree programs in the above areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights some of the more lucrative median hourly salaries from 2008 available to those with specialized training from such programs:

• Mechanical Engineering Technicians at $22.88
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants at $18.95
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists at $31.26
• Chefs and Head Cooks at $14.24
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers at $22.30
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics at $20.52

The city benefits from a deceptively large population. For although the town proper only has 670,000 residents, Charlotte is home to more than six million people when you factor in complete metropolitan area. Managing a population of this size necessitates an active and robust government, which explains why public services have grown faster than many other job sectors. Charlotte remains a major banking hub, despite an overall contraction in the national financial industry. And that over 600 foreign-owned firms have established a presence in the region suggests that Charlotte's reputation as an international city is on the rise.