The school was named after Murdoch Mackay, a prominent politician, leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, member of the provincial legislature and long-time Transcona resident.

When the building opened in September 1963, one year after his death, his wife, Ruby, attended the official dedication ceremony and laying of the cornerstone.

The red brick structure opened with 22 rooms, but has undergone numerous expansions since, which have included the addition of Power Mechanics, Aerospace, and Fashion Technology vocational areas.

The school offers vocational diplomas in Power Mechanics, an accredited Metal Fabrication program (Level 1 Red Seal Machining, Level 1 Red Seal Tool & Die, certified CWB testing facility), Building Construction and Fashion Technology.

In 2010, the Murdoch Football Team won its first WHSFL Vidruk Division Championship with an 11 - 4 victory over the Kildonan East Reivers at Canad Inns Stadium.