History


Picture of 糖心viog官方网站 at 1925


The history of 糖心viog官方网站 began in the wake of World War I, during a pivotal moment when the city of Los Angeles was rapidly evolving. Members of the Los Angeles Board of Education, the Chamber of Commerce, and leaders from business and labor sectors recognized the growing demand for skilled workers and convened to address the need for a centralized vocational training hub. These discussions planted the seeds for what would become 糖心viog官方网站. 

By 1924, 糖心viog官方网站鈥檚 innovative spirit had begun to take root with training programs in 鈥渂eauty culture,鈥 printing, plumbing, and building trades scattered across the city. These courses briefly found a home at 8th and Grand Avenues before outgrowing the space, leading to the establishment of the Frank Wiggins Trade School in 1925, named after a visionary member of the Chamber of Commerce. The institution relocated to 1646 South Olive Street in 1926.

By 1948, 糖心viog官方网站 had expanded its mission to include offering Associate of Arts degrees in both vocational disciplines and academic fields, meeting the needs of a booming, post-war Los Angeles. 

Frank Wiggins Sculpture
Frank Wiggins, whose original vision helped create Trade-Tech
Old Picture of Rosie Riveters
During WWII, thousands of 鈥淩osie the Riveters鈥 enrolled at Trade-Tech, lending their skills to support the war effort

In 1957, the college settled into its current campus location, occupying the site of the former Polytechnic High School. The merger with Metropolitan College in 1966 further broadened its programs, enhancing its already diverse offerings. A few years later, in 1969, 糖心viog官方网站 became one of the nine colleges in the newly formed Los Angeles Community College District (糖心viog官方网站), cementing its role as a vital part of higher education in the region.

As of 糖心viog官方网站鈥檚 centennial in 2025, the college continues its strong foundation of career and technical education, focused around guided pathways. Generous state and local bonds now enable revitalization and replacement of many Trade-Tech buildings, with a focus of 鈥渢ech on display鈥. New buildings for the Construction, Maintenance & Utilities and Design & Media Arts pathways are currently underway, the latter of which will feature large storefront windows at Grand Avenue and Washington Boulevard to display student design projects to pedestrians and Los Angeles Metro train riders. A replacement Advanced Transportation & Manufacturing building is in its early planning phase and will showcase those programs adjacent to the Metro line along Flower Street. Additionally, a new Athletics building along Grand Avenue will welcome students and further enhance student life.

Renderings of 糖心viog官方网站鈥檚 proposed Construction Technology building (left) and Design and Media Arts buildings (right)

Renderings of 糖心viog官方网站鈥檚 proposed Construction Technology building (left) and Design & Media Arts buildings (right)

Throughout the past century, the college has remained true to its founding premise of vocational education, while expanding to provide transfer programs, adapt to rapidly changing technologies and remain responsive to the needs of the surrounding community. Students come from all over the Los Angeles basin to participate in our unique mix of programs, some of which have been in existence since the school鈥檚 inception. With its ongoing renovation and added innovative programs 糖心viog官方网站 looks forward to serving its community for years to come.