The role and mission of Bellingham Technical College has its roots in vocational education in the Bellingham School District (BSD). The first “Industrial School” was planned and constructed in 1911 by the BSD. This school evolved into a manual-training section of Whatcom High School. With the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act in 1917, courses in automotive mechanics and machine shop were offered at Fairhaven High School.

The imminence of World War II necessitated the establishment of evening classes in 1940. As a result of steady growth, over 4,000 persons received training for industry during the war years.

Planning for the present program began in 1952 when it was realized that vocational programs offered by the local school district were not meeting the needs of the community. As a result of assessments of community vocational education needs by advisory committees from labor and management, Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute was established on its present 21-acre site at 3028 Lindbergh Avenue in 1957. In May 1997, we celebrated our 40th year of service to students and the community - a proud accomplishment for all involved.

Legislation passed in 1991 transferred the governance of Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and to a local Board of Trustees. In September 1991, Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute was renamed Bellingham Technical College and transition to the new governing system began with the college maintaining a strong commitment to its original role and mission.