Over 110 years ago, in 1911, Wisconsin became the first state in the U. S. to establish a System of technical education institutions. The legislation provided state funding, required every community of 5,000 or more to establish a local board with taxing authority. Additionally, in the same year, Wisconsin became the first state to establish formal apprenticeships, with the technical education institutions as the primary location for paid classroom learning.
These historical firsts in the state set the stage for what is now the Wisconsin Technical College System, comprised of 16 technical colleges spread throughout the state of Wisconsin.
To learn more, visit the History of WTCS.
Currently with 51 campuses, the 16 WTCS colleges deliver career and technical education to meet the needs, interests and abilities of their students and the demands of the labor market. To assist the colleges in their missions, WTCS Office staff provide the colleges with technical assistance and help to coordinate activities and support services.
The 16 WTCS Colleges are:
Blackhawk CVTC Fox Valley Gateway Lakeshore
Madison College Mid-State Milwaukee Area Moraine Park
Nicolet College Northcentral Northeast Northwood Tech*
Southwest Waukesha County Western
*Northwood Technical College is formally known as Wisconsin Indianhead