HISTORY

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 and included other unique features.

The $8 million project, funded by the provincial and federal governments, was designed to meet the technical training needs of both secondary students and adults in need of marketable job skills.

Education that was relevant to the workplace was a concept that was recognized by the people who spearheaded this project. SWTC programs were developed that addressed the needs of the marketplace, a factor that has directly contributed to the excellent employment rate of its graduates.

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).

Amendments to the Public School Act in April 2008 enabled a partnership of the College, the Pembina Trails School Division, and the Province of Manitoba to move forward to effectively meet the needs of individual students as well as help to address long-term labour market requirements. The current Governance Agreement specifies the rights and obligations of ownership, governance of the College, and funding of operational and capital requirements.

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.

The formula has proven to be a blueprint for success for the College itself. Since the doors first opened in September 1985, the number and variety of programs and courses has grown to meet the needs of over 2000 full-time, part-time and Enterprise Services students every year.

Winnipeg Technical College has fostered its community-based roots by establishing two additional campuses, English as an Additional Language programming, and forming partnerships with like-minded organizations such as Osborne Village Resource Centre and six Adult Learning Centres.

In February 2010, Winnipeg Technical College and the University of Winnipeg signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide students attending WTC with a direct pathway and direct access to joint WTC/UWinnipeg certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees.

As the marketplace changes, so too does Winnipeg Technical College. Students benefit from business-education partnerships developed to be responsive to the needs of both students and prospective employers.