Led by John Standridge in 1961, the Fayetteville Area Industrial Education Center (IEC) was created to provide job training and educational opportunities to high school graduates and adult learners in Cumberland County and the surrounding areas including: Bladen, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties, as well as Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.

The purpose of the name change was to broaden and enhance the public image of technical and vocational postsecondary education and job training opportunities to new and expanding industries.

According to the Fayetteville Observer "Fayetteville Tech would probably compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association's Division II because there are more potential opponents in the Carolinas and Virginia...The teams would be known as Trojans, the school's mascot...FTCC would likely add other sports teams later, though [President Larry] Keen said football would not ever be an option because of its expense."

As a result, the teams would likely play their 15 home games at a Crown Center venue,' said David Brand, the school's senior vice president for academic and student services.

The Spring Lake Campus specializes in Basic Law Enforcement Training, the Pre-Health Academy, and Continuing Education certifications including: Certified Nursing Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, Phlebotomy, and Welding.