In 1983, the St. Vital, Assiniboine South and Fort Garry School Divisions, recognizing a need for technical training and the lack of a suitable facility to provide this training in south Winnipeg, entered into an agreement to create a learning environment that would serve the community for years to come.
The South Winnipeg Technical Vocational Centre, later the South Winnipeg Technical Centre (SWTC) was conceived by educators and politicians of the day to meet the anticipated need for specific, practical job training in the Fort Garry, St. Vital and Assiniboine South communities. This divisional collaboration was a Canadian first but not the only unique aspect of the new Centre.
The $8 million project, funded by the provincial and federal governments, was designed to meet the technical training needs of secondary students and adults in need of marketable job skills.
Making education relevant to students became a popular trend in the '90s and one apparently foreseen by the people who spearheaded this project. SWTC programs were developed in tune with the needs of the marketplace, a factor that contributes to the Centre's 85% student job placement rate.
In April 1999, the Governing Board of South Winnipeg Technical Centre in cooperation with the Assiniboine South, Fort Garry, and St. Vital school divisions, announced that the Centre's operating name would change to Winnipeg Technical College (WTC).
WTC strives to develop good citizens through its programs, based on the philosophy that "success consists of excellence in achievement built on a foundation of excellence in character." Incentives include an annual awards program and "student of the month" honors in every program.
This formula has proven to be a recipe for success for the College itself. Since classes first commenced in September, 1985, the number and variety of programs, courses, and services has grown to meet the needs of over 12,000 full time, part-time and Enterprise Services clients every year.
As the marketplace changes, so too does Winnipeg Technical College. Students will soon benefit from distance education initiatives and expanded business-education partnerships developed to be responsive to the needs of both students and prospective employers.
