Mike Schiffer, former director of Cape Coral Technical College, speaks during the 30-year celebration of the school on Monday. CHUCK BALLARO

When Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC) opened in 1993, only about 45,000 people lived in Cape Coral and its location in the middle of the city was considered the sticks.

Thirty years later, CCTC serves a city with more than 200,000 people and offers numerous programs in fields the city (and country) desperately needs.

On Monday, city dignitaries and school personnel gathered at the school’s cafe to celebrate this milestone with a luncheon, guest speakers and a look back on the past, present and future of the school.

The school currently has programs in agriculture, business healthcare, hospitality and technology, giving students an opportunity to become anything from nurse and veterinary assistants to chefs, cosmetologists and barbers.

Charlie Pease, director of CCTC, was excited to celebrate all the school has done, is doing now, and will be doing in the future.

Charlie Pease, director of Cape Coral Technical College, discusses the future of his school during the 30-year celebration of the school on Monday. CHUCK BALLARO

“We’re doing architectural design work right now and wrapped up conceptual design work,” Pease said. “We’re going to be adding auto service, marine service technology, welding, HVAC, building trades such as plumbing and masonry, and a potential associates degree in nursing.”

A new building to house these programs is expected to be built where the old Cafferata Elementary School was located. The current school is on CCTC land in portable classrooms.

The event featured the former director of the school, Mike Schiffer, as well as stories from current and past students, awards for some of their longest service faculty and plans for what the school will become in the future as it offers new programs.

Schiffer, who served as director from 1998-2015, said the school has always been on the cutting edge of technology. The problem has been the technology has grown so fast that it doesn’t take long for things to be not-so-cutting-edge anymore, as he learned quickly when he became director.

“We had to replace computers and technology every two or three years. It moves so quickly and it will move even faster with AI,” Schiffer said, who joked when he started as director, AI were two vowels you could buy on “Wheel of Fortune. “It’s mind boggling what it can do and can be helpful in many areas, like health and engineering.”

Among the many dignitaries was Mayor John Gunter, who praised the school for how it trains people for careers that pay well and are in high demand.

“It’s a great part of our community and I look forward to them expanding into other areas that will benefit our community,” Gunter said. “Not all students go to college. A technical college is another avenue we can offer the community.”

Retired school board member Mary Fischer said the 30-year milestone is amazing as the school has grown along with the city.

“The school has made so many contributions to our workforce. I’m excited for the school and the plans they have for the future,” Fischer said, who moved to Cape Coral in 1977. “I’ve seen a lot of change and this is a different day and I’m excited for the future.”

Schiffer said the city should have more than just CCTC for college-level education, and that the school is a tremendous asset for the people who want to work, live and play here.

“Here we are the second-largest city in the state land-wise and we’re still the only post-secondary institution here,” Schiffer said. “It’s well received by our citizens.