Charlotte Vo-Tech opened its doors for the first time in the fall of 1980 with Mr. Tom Wagoner as the first Director. An ad appearing in the Ft. Myers News-Press in May of 1980 touted the following programs to be offered in the inaugural year: Automotive Mechanic, Carpenter, Cabinetmaker, Nurse Aide, Cosmetologist, Practical Nurse, Bookkeeper, Clerk-typist, Medical Secretary, Data Processing, Electrician, Mason, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, and Data Processing, to name a few. The ad went on to say, “Enrollment in the Vocational-Technical Center is open to all adults, veterans, high school drop-outs, and high school students over the age of 16 with a desire to obtain occupational skills necessary for employment.”

The $3.5 million dollar, 10 building complex was built through appropriations from the state legislature. It was four years in the making from concept, design and construction. The school opened with 25 full-time instructors and 50 part-time staff. The target student audience was adults. A bumper sticker of the day summarized the school’s philosophy:

“Learn Today – Earn Tomorrow.”

In 1982, Port Charlotte High School opened its doors followed by Lemon Bay High school in 1983. In the 2001 school year, Charlotte Vocational Technical Center officially changed its name to Charlotte Technical Center and high school students became part of the student population at CTC. A dual enrollment program was started, allowing students from the three area high schools to participate in programs offered at CTC. Currently, nearly 500 high school students are enrolled in programs offered during the day.