[1][2] The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee in 1963 directed the State Board for Vocational Education to locate, establish, construct, and operate a statewide system of area vocational-technical schools.

The intent of this legislation was to meet more adequately the occupational training needs of citizens and residents of this state, including employees and future employees of existing and prospective industries and businesses.

[3] In July 1994, a name change was passed by the legislature, and the Area Schools became the Tennessee Technology Centers to better reflect the trend toward the more advanced, technological training needed to supply skilled employees.

[4] The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Northwest is a post-secondary and adult institution which provides programs to serve the training needs of a broad geographic area by providing technical instruction and skilled training in trade, technical, and other occupations.

[5] Each of the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology offers programs based on geographic needs of businesses and industry.