Transcript DEXTER INSTITUTE - Welcome Page | Page d'accueil

DEXTER INSTITUTE
NSCC: An overview
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12 campuses at 15 sites strategically located throughout
Nova Scotia
9000 full-time students
140 Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma
programs offered through 5 Academic Schools
30,000 part-time students enrolled in Customized
Training, Continuing Education, Online Learning and
Apprenticeship offerings
Business Development: Customized Training & Parttime Studies; Centre for International Activities; Energy
Group; Applied Research
Campus Locations
Kingstec
Annapolis Campus
Valley Campus
Cumberland
Campus
Pictou
Campus
Truro Campus
Akerley Campus
Burridge
Campus
Lunenburg
Campus
Shelburne Campus
Marconi
Campus
Strait Area
Campus
Institute of Technology Campus
History of NSCC
1960-1988:
Secondary vocational &
technical training system
1988:
Establishment of a
community college system
for NS
1996:
Board governance
1998:
First Strategic Plan
Mission
Building Nova Scotia's economy and
quality of life through education and
innovation.
Customized Training at NSCC
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Vehicle to support local and provincial
economic development strategies
Promotes access and opportunity for
lifelong learning
Provides flexible, responsive training and
HR development solutions for companies
and communities
Defrays 10% of NSCC’s operating budget
The Power of Partnerships
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Capacity-building
Aliant
NS Construction Safety Division
Dexter Construction
Municipal Group of Companies
(DEXTER CONSTRUCTION)
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Diversified Construction Company
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(Environmental Remediation, Capital
Infrastructure Works, Road building)
Employee Base of approximately 1100
employees
Work predominately in Maritime Provinces
but also international (Brunei and
Caribbean)
What is the Dexter Institute?
The Dexter Institute was formed in July, 2001 when Dexter
Construction and Nova Scotia Community College
launched an innovative program to address the skills
shortage of human capital in heavy construction in Nova
Scotia. Dexter Construction, part of the Municipal Group of
Companies, identified that the best way to sustain its
workforce is to become part of the training process.
Recognizing that the Community College had the training
skills and Dexter Construction had the industry experience,
a partnership was formed to provide Dexter Construction
with a skilled labour force that came to the job already
familiar with Dexter Construction culture and equipment.
Dexter Institute of Heavy
Construction
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2 year program strategic partnership with
NSCC
Students mix of learning methods
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Classroom time - NSCC
Practical training
Paid work experience
Guaranteed Employment upon graduation
Retention Bonus
Where did the idea come from?
The idea came from the simple question
asked by our owner …
“If we can’t find enough trained people, why
can’t we train our own people?”
Not one individual involved had an answer
stating that we could not.
Why Dexter implemented the
“Dexter Institute”
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Lack of qualified applicants due to the
stigma of the industry.
Aging Workforce
Company was in a period of growth
Rapid adoption of new technology
Lack of skilled people internally
 Operational
talent
 Front-Line supervisor capabilities
How are students
selected?
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High School Diploma or equivalent.
19 years of age before program completion
Hold a valid driver's license
Cover letter (Stating why you are interested
in the Dexter Institute of Heavy Construction
Program)
Personal Resume
Reference Letter (At least one reference from
either a former employer, community group,
coach, educator, industry, etc.)
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A series of tests (a written
assignment, problem solving,
spatial relations, reading
comprehension and
mechanical reasoning)
A personal interview.
NSCC Classroom Learning
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Communications
Human Relations
Intro to Technical Writing
Computer Fundamentals
Intro to Construction Tech
Basic Blueprint Reading
Intro to Survey
Techniques
Electrical Awareness
Blasting Awareness
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Intro to Heavy
Construction Equipment
Applied Math I & II
Project Management
Introduction to
Construction Safety
Portfolio Development
Safety Training (WHMIS,
First Aid, Trenching
Awareness, fall
protections, etc.)
Practicum Training
Practicum training is conducted at Dexter’s own class
room and is taught by our own employees.
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Safety Training
Equipment Maintenance
Subdivision
Small Equipment
Paving
Grader / Roller
Pipe Laying (Water &
Sewer)
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Heavy Equipment Theory
Heavy Equipment Training
Surveying
Traffic Control / Signing
Concrete
Laser Leveling
Paid Work Term
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June – Dec 1st each Year
Work Experience
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Quarry
Envirosoil
Asphalt Crews
Concrete Crews
Equipment Operation
Subdivision Development
Traffic Control
Labourer
Pipe Laying
Surveying
Costing / Estimating
Benefits to Student…
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Guaranteed Employment in a growing industry
Work Assignment expose individuals to all
aspects of civil construction (better overall
knowledge).
Students get to “try out “different areas” of civil
construction to see what they like to do.
Retention Bonus (tuition reimbursement)
Receive a diploma upon graduation.
Career with a future. Opportunities for growth.
Benefits to Dexter
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Instill corporate culture
Improved safety
Inflow of talented/
qualified people to ensure
future growth
Attract students in
formative years (career
choice)
Develop a flexible
workforce (cross-training)
Provide a vision for
career growth (i.e. future
leaders).
Keys to Success
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Realistic expectations for both students and
company
Top management support
Communication (to reduce fear of the unknown)
Buy in from supervisory staff (need to see how it
benefits them)
Relevant training material
Flexibility in the design of the program to
address changes in the industry
The results….
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The program is in its sixth year
150 students have enrolled
59 graduates
Graduate retention rate of approx 87%
Supervisors are requesting students for
their crews prior to graduation
Additional Information
www.municipalgroup.ca/dexterinstitute/
www.nscc.ca
Questions?
QUESTIONS?
Thank You