NC H450

Changes terminology from "vocational education" to "career and technical education" throughout North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 115C.

Requires each local school board to establish a business advisory council with at least nine members (majority from business/industry) to advise on career and technical education programs, work-based learning, and workforce needs.

Mandates each local school board offer at least two work-based learning opportunities (internships, cooperative education, or apprenticeships) related to career and technical education instruction.

Establishes the Career and Technical Education Grade Expansion Program providing competitive grants up to $5 million over seven years to local school units that expand career and technical education to sixth and seventh grade students.

Expands career awareness programming to elementary students (grade five) and requires schools to exempt students from absences when participating in job shadowing and career organization activities.