Washington County Technical School opened in 1938 as a result of efforts from the Washington County School Board. Its goal was to offer training to young people in an effort to help them secure gainful employment. During the depression years, money was scarce and the School Board then, gave approval to purchase materials and let students build additional buildings. The school staff designed the additions to the WCTS building. Plans and specifications were drawn by drafting students. Students under the supervision of the trade and industry instructors performed all work in Masonry, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electricity, Concrete, Welding and Glazing. Over the years, the Washington County Technical School established a reputation of training quality skilled students. Due to advanced technology and increasing enrollment, the School Board expanded its training efforts by building a new school addition in 1975; the William N. Neff Vocational Center and The Technical school set on the piece of property and is considered one school consisting of two buildings (now renamed The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center), the Neff building offers more classes to high school students. The new Technical building presently offers math classes and other classes that introduce freshman and sophomore students into various Career and Technical programs. As the needs of the community changed, the offerings at the Career & Technical Centers have evolved. Programs such as Commercial Sewing, Small Engine Repair, Offset Printing, and Plumbing were eliminated as interest demand waned. Cisco Networking, Culinary Arts, Advertising Design, Criminal Justice and Pharmacy Tech have been added in recent years to meet the needs of the community and student interest. WCCTEC now serves over 500 students, ninth through twelfth grades from all four Washington County High Schools. These students have the opportunity to work with state of the art Career and Technical Programs. The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center has also enhanced its offerings through Professional Licensure and Dual Enrollment in many classes. All instructors are highly qualified by training and experience.
