If Your Basic Needs Are Being Met, Thank CTE!

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a vital part of students’ education. Now, more than ever, it is a vital part of our response to COVID-19.   The list of essential businesses from WV Governor Jim Justice’s executive order includes many careers that are obtainable through CTE! Those listed also represent many of the career programs offered at Monroe County Technical Center. Our 12 programs result in career opportunities in Agriculture, Business, Carpentry, Education, Health Sciences, Law and Public Safety, and JROTC. Essential businesses in and around Monroe County employ numerous MCTC graduates, and many of those essential businesses are our valued business partners! Thank you, CTE and our local workforce!!

If Your Basic Needs Are Being Met, Thank CTE!

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a vital part of students’ education. Now, more than ever, it is a vital part of our response to COVID-19.   The list of essential businesses from WV Governor Jim Justice’s executive order includes many careers that are obtainable through CTE! Those listed also represent many of the career programs offered at Monroe County Technical Center. Our 12 programs result in career opportunities in Agriculture, Business, Carpentry, Education, Health Sciences, Law and Public Safety, and JROTC. Essential businesses in and around Monroe County employ numerous MCTC graduates, and many of those essential businesses are our valued business partners! Thank you, CTE and our local workforce!!

If Your Basic Needs Are Being Met, Thank CTE!

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a vital part of students’ education. Now, more than ever, it is a vital part of our response to COVID-19.   The list of essential businesses from WV Governor Jim Justice’s executive order includes many careers that are obtainable through CTE! Those listed also represent many of the career programs offered at Monroe County Technical Center. Our 12 programs result in career opportunities in Agriculture, Business, Carpentry, Education, Health Sciences, Law and Public Safety, and JROTC. Essential businesses in and around Monroe County employ numerous MCTC graduates, and many of those essential businesses are our valued business partners! Thank you, CTE and our local workforce!!

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Monroe County Technical Center will strive to attract, retain, and enrich students with quality educations through rigor, relevance, and relationships.   

MCTC recruits students from all backgrounds, and of all interests.  We seek to retain students in our programs through our variety of courses and our highly engaging Simulated Workplace learning environments.  We enrich students' lives through leadership and recognition programs with active Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs); FFA, FBLA, Skills USA, Educators Rising, HOSA, JROTC and National Technical Honor Society.   MCTC instructors deliver content and learning opportunities with rigor and high expectations.  Our programs maintain active industry advisory councils that encourage relevance to today's job market.  MCTC staff members build meaningful professional relationships with students, families, business leaders, and the community, ensuring ongoing student success.

Throughout the coming school year, Monroe County Technical Center will be celebrating our 40th year of career and technical education, and our 15th year since our rededication.  Located in Lindside, MCTC has a history of providing top-quality career and technical education.  The school was designated a West Virginia School of Excellence in 2007.    That excellence continues today with new and expanded programs of study that lead to college, careers, and success! 

In 1980, MCTC opened our doors with 8 programs available to high school juniors and seniors of Monroe County.  The programs were Production Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanics, Clerical Program, Stenographic/Secretarial Program, Nursing Assistant, Metal Trades, Building Trades, Masonry, Radio/TV Communications.  The programs were offered during three-hour morning and afternoon sessions.  Oliver Porterfield, Assistant Superintendent/Vocational Director, wrote, “The opening of the Monroe County Vocational-Technical Center makes available a much broader spectrum of job opportunities for all the children of Monroe County.” 

In 1994, James Monroe High School joined our campus; consolidating Peterstown and Union High Schools.  MCTC remained a separate school. The schedule was modified, offering courses to students in 9th -12th grades, and adjusting the times to match that of the new high school. On October 25, 2004, Monroe County Technical Center was re-dedicated following an extensive update that included internet capability in every classroom. MCTC has continued to grow, evolve, and innovate; keeping pace with industry, and the needs of graduates as they seek careers in the ever-changing workforce.  

Today, MCTC remains a separate school, a designated career and technical education center, offering 11 college and career programs of study. Programs include Agribusiness Systems, Animal Systems, Animal Processing, Power, Structure and Technical Systems, Business Management and Administration, Early Childhood Education, JROTC, Biomedical Science, Health Science Therapeutic Services, Law and Public Safety, and Career Integrated Experiential Learning.  MCTC also houses the county’s Alternative School program, offers embedded high school English and math credits, offers college credit, and is home to WHFI 106.7FM radio station.   

Monroe County CTE Director Tricia King explains, “Our students master industry-specific skills in a Simulated Workplace, earning certifications as evidence of their readiness for the world beyond high school.  And, we believe that although students choose a particular field of study, a career pathway, the real-world learning that occurs includes lessons that they will apply to every facet of life after high school.”  

MCTC’s Simulated Workplace has not only enhanced instructional delivery of career education, but has created a more engaged career and technical student. The simulated workplace environment permits students the opportunity to take ownership of their individual performance as it impacts the overall success of their education, while thriving in an authentic workplace culture. Simulated Workplace also encourages local business and industry experts to join onsite review teams to assist schools in meeting their workforce needs and expectations. Simulated Workplace schools implement workplace environmental protocols that align with West Virginia workforce requirements, including random drug testing, professionalism, attendance and safety. 

In the first MCTC handbook Monroe County Superintendent of Schools Bobby E. Via wrote: “I feel this is one of the most important steps in education and career opportunities since the development of the public schools.” And, though much has changed, Mr. Via’s statement still holds true. 

Career and Technical Education offers opportunities to students that are unavailable elsewhere.  The West Virginia Department of Education site states, “Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are changing, evolving and innovating to better serve West Virginia’s needs by preparing students to help drive our success and vitality. Further, CTE is creating an educational environment that integrates core academics with real-world relevance. CTE is transforming expectations and making a difference for students, for business and industry, for West Virginia and for the global economy.”  MCTC is proud to be a leader in Career and Technical Education; and continues the tradition of Making Connections – Taking Charge, 40 years strong! 

First MCTC Handbook, 1980

MCTC Handbook Early 1980's