Western Technical College

    WTC started with a basic welding curriculum, but since WTC opened in 1970, ten new programs of study have been added. The first program that was incorporated after Welding was Refrigeration and Air Conditioning which started in 1971.  Then, Automotive started in 1975, while Electronics Engineering Technology followed in 1980. Next came, Information Systems and Security in 1983, Medical/Clinical Assistant in 1984, Health Information Technology in 1994, Massage Therapy in 2001, Pipe Welding, Diesel and Performance Tuner in 2006, and Physical Therapist Assistant in 2007. Upon expert advice from employer advisory boards, the courses and programs at WTC are constantly updated to conform to evolving industry standards. In January of 1979, WTC was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges which is listed by the U.S. Office of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency under the provision of Chapter 33, Title 38, U.S. Code, and subsequent legislation.

Mr. Kuykendall explains that the key to the success of WTC and the students whom have graduated from its various programs basically comes down to commitment.  He says that the quality of people that work and attend WTC is exceptional. "They are loyal and above all committed to success," he says.When the plan to create WTC, which was originally called El Paso Trade School and later Western Technical Institute, was conceived by founder Mr.Marvin Terrell, grandfather of owner and CAO, Bill Terrell, the thought was that El Paso needed an alternative to the traditional university setting. El Pasoans needed a school that was dedicated to helping nontraditional students achieve career success, and to achieve that success the programs at WTC needed to be focused, accelerated, and tailored with specific career fields in mind.  It was and is a school where students can learn exactly what they need to succeed in an environment that allows for focused learning.

    Whether you know it or have known it as El Paso Trade School, Western Tech, Western Technical Institute, WTC, or WTI, join Western Technical College throughout 2010 as the history is unveiled. WTC is celebrating what makes the College who they are today, your success.