TEC VOC

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/10/2004 (7904 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CARVED in limestone over a Tec Voc side entrance are these inspiring words: “Knowledge without practice makes but half an artist.” Since it opened in 1951, Technical Vocational High School’s curriculum, which combines the practice of vocational training with the knowledge of related academics, has reflected the changing needs of a modern society. Its architectural design and materials made Tec Voc the height of modernity and by 1961, its teachers had become “modern” — all had university degrees.

The main force behind Tec Voc’s creation was R.J. Johns, Provincial Director of Technical Education.

In 1946, he took charge of creating a school that offered vocational training at the high school level, an opportunity available previously at the Manitoba Institute of Technology (now Red River College) but only at post-high school level. Known as the Winnipeg Plan, Johns’ innovation became an influential template for similar educational endeavours across North America.

As the first principal of Tec Voc, Johns used the analogy of “the Tec Voc Highway” to express to his students the unlimited opportunity offered at the school. His favourite slogan at morning assembly was “get out of the ditch and onto the Tec Voc Highway.”

To express the modernity of the Tec Voc concept, the three-storey building combines two significant 20th-century architectural styles: Art Deco and Art Moderne. Its Art Deco element is the main entrance with its vertical emphasis of tall hard-edged limestone pilasters, lancet arcades, stylized leaf motif and glass-brick windows.

It is the most impressive and exhilarating entranceway to any Winnipeg school.

The rest of the building, streamlined with a flat roof and rounded corners, reflects Art Moderne sensibilities. Suggesting the machine esthetic of speed, motion and optimism, horizontal emphasis is achieved using rows of multi-segmented windows and brick or limestone belt courses around the building.

From the outset, Tec Voc featured an innovative music program directed by Fred Merrett. Gilbert and Sullivan operettas were presented annually and seldom did a parade pass by that did not feature the Tec Voc Marching Band, complete with majorettes.

Tec Voc has produced dozens of teachers, engineers, professors and politicians. Notable Tec Voc alumni include NHLer Cece Hoekstra; ventriloquist Bob Swartz, TV’s Uncle Bob on Archie and His Friends; and Winnipeg police Chief Jack Ewatski. Current enrolment is about 1,300 students in the four senior grades.

Athletic achievements have a long history at Tec Voc. Rugby, soccer, basketball, volleyball and even a bowling league have been offered. The Tec Voc Hornets have won many football championships. (Extra credits if you remember the Tec Voc cheer.)

The fieldhouse, built in 1963, was renamed yesterday to honour an original Tec Voc teacher. Audrey Jones was the first girls’ physical education teacher, starting in 1951. She retired from Tec Voc 34 years later. The building is now known as the Audrey Jones Fieldhouse. Still a supporter of amateur and professional sports in Winnipeg at 76, Jones attended the ceremony.