Originally
named St. Augustine Technical Center, the school opened in 1965,
as the city of St. Augustine celebrated the anniversary of its
400th founding. The intent of the Florida Legislature, in establishing
the school, was to provide area vocational training at the postsecondary
level to adults and high school students.
The
first phase of the campus was completed in 1972. New buildings
and additions were added with the second phase, which was completed
in 1977. The third phase of building was completed in 1994, and
a Full Service Building was opened in 1995.
First
Coast Technical Institute serves St. Johns, Putnam, and Clay counties.
Today, the main campus of First Coast Technical Institute (FCTI)
houses the administrative staff and a majority of the programs.
The campus consists of 40 acres with twenty-six buildings, including
classrooms, a greenhouse, and resource, maintenance, and storage
buildings. The North Campus, located three miles northwest of
the main campus, is the location for Emergency Medical Service
programs: Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Fire Fighting.
The Putnam County Center is located on State Road 17 in Palatka,
and houses business and health programs. The Clay County Center,
located at Reynolds Industrial Park, opened in May 2001. Welding
and Refrigeration/Heating and Air Conditioning programs are offered
at this location. FCTI also has a classroom facility in Orange
Park to train child-care workers and managers.
In
1999, First Coast Technical Institute became Florida's first postsecondary
charter school in the state, sponsored by St. Johns County School
Board. When the charter was approved, it included two high schools
on the main campus of First Coast Technical Institute: First Coast
Technical High School and First Coast Skills Academy. These schools
were designed around Tech Prep career pathways. All students meet
the academic requirements for graduation and work toward occupational
and program certifications. Many students are able to complete
programs and enter the workforce upon graduation from high school.
The Skills Academy provides educational opportunities for Exceptional
Education Students. Both high schools serve students in grades
9-12.
All
career and technical training programs are supported by steering
committees, with members from business and industry. Career and
technical training programs are competency based, with curriculum
provided by the state and enhanced with input from business and
industry to ensure that training meets industry standards.
First
Coast Technical Institute offers Adult Basic Education Programs
for high school completion, General Education Development (GED)
test preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL). First Coast Technical Institute provides students with
financial aid, guidance and career counseling, career assessment,
special needs and placement services.
FCTI
is the premier charter technical school in the state. Many teams
from other technical schools visit to discover how FCTI made the
transition to a charter school.
