A-B Tech Campuses

The Asheville Campus of A-B Tech offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the educational and workforce needs of Western North Carolina. As the primary hub, it provides associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various disciplines.

• Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for transfer to four-year institutions, covering subjects like English, history, biology, and mathematics.
• Applied Science programs in fields such as nursing, where students gain hands-on training in patient care, anatomy, and clinical practices through state-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Business administration courses including accounting, management, and marketing, preparing students for entry-level positions or further entrepreneurship.
• Culinary arts and hospitality management, featuring practical kitchen experiences and coursework in food safety, nutrition, and event planning.
• Information technology tracks focusing on cybersecurity, networking, and software development, with certifications like CompTIA and Cisco.
• Early childhood education, emphasizing child development, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• General education courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to build foundational knowledge.
• Continuing education and workforce development workshops in areas like welding, HVAC, and electrical trades for quick skill acquisition.

This campus supports diverse learners with flexible scheduling, including online, hybrid, and evening classes. The curriculum integrates real-world applications, internships, and partnerships with local industries to ensure graduates are job-ready. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, A-B Tech's Asheville Campus serves over 10,000 students annually, fostering community growth through innovative education. Programs are regularly updated to align with emerging trends, such as sustainable practices in environmental science and digital literacy in media arts. Faculty bring industry experience, providing mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. Whether pursuing a career change, skill enhancement, or academic transfer, students find robust support services including tutoring, career counseling, and financial aid assistance. The campus's commitment to excellence is evident in high completion rates and strong employer feedback, making it a cornerstone of regional economic development.

The Enka Campus specializes in technical and vocational programs, offering hands-on training in skilled trades essential for industrial and manufacturing sectors in the region. This facility complements the Asheville Campus by focusing on practical, career-oriented education.

• Automotive systems technology, where students learn engine repair, diagnostics, and electrical systems using modern vehicles and tools.
• Industrial systems programs including mechatronics, covering robotics, automation, and programmable logic controllers for manufacturing roles.
• Welding technology certificates, teaching MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques with emphasis on safety and blueprint reading.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) training, including installation, maintenance, and energy-efficient systems design.
• Electrical lineworker preparation, focusing on power distribution, climbing techniques, and high-voltage safety protocols.
• Building construction technology, with courses in carpentry, plumbing, and sustainable building practices.
• Machining and metals fabrication, utilizing CNC machines and precision tools for aerospace and automotive parts production.
• Continuing education in advanced manufacturing, such as lean processes and quality control for professional upskilling.

Situated in a more rural setting, the Enka Campus provides spacious workshops and labs that simulate real workplace environments, allowing for immersive learning experiences. Programs are designed for quick entry into the workforce, often completing in one year or less, with high placement rates in local industries like textiles, energy, and construction. Instructors are certified professionals with field experience, offering personalized guidance and industry connections. The campus supports non-traditional students through part-time options and integrated apprenticeships. Beyond technical skills, courses incorporate soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. A-B Tech's Enka Campus plays a vital role in addressing the skilled labor shortage, partnering with employers for customized training. Facilities include advanced equipment funded by grants, ensuring students train on cutting-edge technology. This location also hosts community events and safety training for first responders, enhancing regional preparedness. Overall, it empowers individuals with marketable skills, contributing to economic vitality and personal advancement in Buncombe County and beyond.

The Public Safety Training Center at A-B Tech is dedicated to preparing students and professionals for careers in emergency services, law enforcement, and firefighting. This specialized campus features realistic training grounds and equipment for high-stakes simulations.

• Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), covering legal procedures, defensive tactics, firearms handling, and community policing strategies.
• Firefighter certification programs, including fire suppression techniques, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and paramedic courses, focusing on trauma care, CPR, and ambulance operations with clinical rotations.
• Wildland firefighting training, emphasizing terrain navigation, fire behavior, and environmental protection in mountainous regions.
• Incident command system education for coordinating multi-agency responses to disasters and large-scale events.
• SWAT and tactical operations workshops for advanced law enforcement personnel, including hostage negotiation and active shooter scenarios.
• Continuing education for public safety professionals, such as leadership development, stress management, and updated compliance standards.
• Driver training for emergency vehicles, teaching high-speed pursuit, evasive maneuvers, and defensive driving.

Located on expansive grounds with burn buildings, driving tracks, and rappelling towers, this center provides immersive, scenario-based learning that builds confidence and competence. Programs meet national standards from bodies like the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the National Fire Protection Association. Instructors are active or retired first responders, bringing authentic expertise to the classroom and field exercises. The campus serves both credit-seeking students and working professionals through flexible, accelerated formats. Emphasis is placed on physical fitness, ethical decision-making, and interagency collaboration to foster well-rounded public servants. A-B Tech's facility supports regional needs by hosting joint trainings with local agencies, enhancing community safety. Graduates often secure positions with fire departments, sheriff's offices, and EMS providers, with strong success rates in certification exams. This campus underscores A-B Tech's commitment to public service education, equipping individuals to protect and serve effectively in dynamic, high-risk environments.