History
65 Years of Excellence
Henry Ford Vocational High School of Transport and Energy
Founded with the mission to inspire and educate, our school has built a strong tradition in technological education for over six decades.
The school’s history began on September 14, 1960,
September 14, 1960
Founding of the Technical School for Engines and Thermal Engineering
October 20, 1961
Beginning of Partnership with Germany
The school was officially renamed Wilhelm Pieck Technical School, marking the start of long-term cooperation with Germany.
December 12, 1962
First Educational Auto Repair Workshop
An educational auto service center was opened, introducing—for the first time in Bulgaria—a payment system for services based on standard times defined by the manufacturer.
March 1969
First Laboratory for Internal Combustion Engines
The school established its own advanced lab for internal combustion engines, equipped with modern test benches for diagnostics and analysis.
March 1970
Practical Training Facility Based on the German Model
The first part of a new practical training building, based on a German model, was inaugurated.
1973
New Production Wing
A brand-new facility was completed, featuring fully equipped workshops and labs for theoretical and practical lessons. It also included two service centers: an automotive service and a refrigeration service center. New training centers for German, French, and Russian cars were established. During this period, the most modern Renault service center in Bulgaria was built in partnership with Renault National Régie – France.
1976
Order of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Third Class
The school was awarded the Red Banner of Labor order, followed by the Order of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria – Third Class.
1980
Recognition as a Model School
A new phase began with the move to a newly built, highly functional educational building. A multifunctional sports complex with a gym and swimming pool was added.
1983 May
Dormitory for the Technical School
Construction began on a dormitory to accommodate students from across the country, elevating the school’s status to a national educational institution. The dormitory was completed and opened in 1991.
1985
25th Anniversary
A school museum was inaugurated, and a television center was established to support the educational process. The first computer processing center in a vocational school in Bulgaria was also created.
1995 - 1996
First Training Lab for Engines
The first engine training lab was established in collaboration with the company DARU-CAR. Engines and components from BMW vehicles were provided for hands-on training.
1997
Merger of Technical Schools
The Technical School of Transport and Energy merged with the Evening Technical School of Energy “Eng. G. Minchev,” integrating all forms of education.
1999
The Idea of the “Ford” Training Center
A new specialization, “Gas Supply Technician,” was introduced, and Bulgaria’s first gas training laboratory was established. During the same year, the idea was born to create a “Ford” Training and Technical Center in collaboration with the company MOTO-PFOHE. A formal proposal was submitted to Ford’s headquarters for the school to adopt the name “Henry Ford.”
8 май 2000
A New Name
An official ceremony marked the renaming of the school to the Technical School of Transport and Energy “Henry Ford.” On the same day, a Cooperation and Support Agreement was signed with MOTO-PFOHE.
16 март 2001
Opening of the “Ford” Training Center
The Ford Training and Technical Center was officially opened.
2007
New Projects
Under the PHARE Program, a Computerized Center for HVAC&R Technologies was established, along with a Center for Vocational Training of Adults (CVTA).
2008
Partnership with Toyota
A Toyota Training and Information Center was opened in partnership with Toyota Balkans. That same year, a Gas Technician Training Center was launched as part of a national program by the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with Overgas.
2013
Mercedes-Benz Automotive Electronics Lab
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the company Balkan Star, a Mercedes-Benz automotive electronics training lab was established and equipped on the school’s premises.