Celebrating 75 years of trade education
For 75 years, Rosedale Technical College has been committed to fueling our region’s economy by training technicians for skilled technical careers that keep America moving. Since its inception, the College has remained focused on enhancing the standards of our education experience and helped transform the way a career in the trades is perceived.
Join us this year as we celebrate the past, present and future technicians and the accomplishments of Rosedale Tech.
75th Anniversary
Upcoming Events
2024 Diamond Sponsors
Rosedale Tech Stories
When you have been in business for 75 years, you gather a few stories along the way.
Have Your Own Rosedale Story?
Here anyone can read, write & share short stories.
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Rosedale's Journey to our Diamond Anniversary!
Rosedale Tech was founded in the Rosedale, PA (a borough of Verona, PA) by William P.H. Johnston. The school taught a combined automotive/diesel program.
Rosedale Tech was purchased by philanthropist Philip Chosky and moved to its East Ohio Street Location on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Mr. Chosky also owned Electronics Institue, which was located on Penn Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh.
As enrollment continued to grow, Mr. Chosky relocated Rosedale Tech to a new location near Electronics Institute on Penn Ave. At the time, there were approximately 400 students attending Rosedale through three shifts of class times. Students at the East Ohio Street location remained at that facility and all new students reported to the Penn Ave. location.
Rosedale Tech moved to its Browns Hill Road location, a former ice cream plant, in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Electronics Institute moved to this location as well.
Rosedale Technical Institute became a division of Electronic Institutes, Inc. and became a non-profit institution.
The automotive/diesel diploma program was separated into two separate degree programs. In addition, Rosedale Tech started offering an electrical degree program. Program offerings included automotive degree, automotive diploma, diesel degree, electrical degree. Electronics Institute closed its Pittsburgh location. The school also had a Harrisburg location that was sold to another entity, then closed a couple of years later.
Mr. Chosky resigned as president of Rosedale Tech. Mr. Ben Wilke, (Rosedale Tech Director, 2001-2005) became the new president.
Rosedale Tech moved to its current Kennedy Township location. During this time, Mr. Ben Wilke decided to step down as Rosedale Tech’s president, transferring the role to his son, Dennis Wilke.
After settling into the new building, Rosedale Tech began offering diesel and electrical diploma programs in the evening.
Rosedale Tech offers an automotive afternoon degree program.
Rosedale Tech begins to offer truck driving diploma program. With the growth of the diesel technology program, Rosedale Tech purchases second building in Kennedy Township. This building, known as the Ben Wilke Training Center, becomes home to the diesel and truck driving programs.
Rosedale Tech begins an HVAC degree program.
Rosedale Tech begins an industrial technician and collision repair technology programs.
Rosedale Technical Institute officially changes its name to Rosedale Technical College.
Rosedale Tech begins the welding diploma programs for daytime and evening.
Rosedale Tech announces merger with Dean Institute of Technology.
The new Welcome Center officially opened. The newly constructed space was part of Phase I of the College's renovation plan.
Rosedale Tech launched its newly formatted AST degree electrical programs: Construction Electricy and Industrial Electricity.
Rosedale Tech launched new website and changed from .org to .edu
Rosedale Technical College and #1 Cochran announced a philanthropic partnership. The $2.25 million pledge includes the rebranding of Rosedale Tech’s automotive and collision repair labs as the #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center, new equipment and technology, $100,000 in annual scholarships based on merit and need, enhancements to the automotive and collision repair labs and classrooms, and collaboration for outreach to prospective students.
Rosedale Tech and North Catholic High School kicked off the Trades Exploration Course for students at North Catholic High School.
