DEXTER INSTITUTE

NSCC: An overview

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 & Part-time Studies; Centre for International Activities; Energy Group; Applied Research

Campus Locations

Akerley CampusAkerley Campus

Institute of Technology CampusInstitute of Technology Campus

Lunenburg Campus

Lunenburg Campus

Shelburne CampusShelburne Campus

Burridge CampusBurridge Campus

Annapolis Valley

Campus

Annapolis Valley

Campus

Kingstec Campus

Kingstec Campus

Truro CampusTruro Campus

Cumberland CampusCumberland Campus

Pictou Campus

Pictou Campus

Strait Area CampusStrait Area Campus

Marconi CampusMarconi 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.

Building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation.

Customized Training at NSCC

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

Capacity-building Aliant NS Construction Safety Division Dexter Construction

Municipal Group of Companies(DEXTER CONSTRUCTION)

Diversified Construction Company (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

2 year program strategic partnership with NSCC

Students mix of learning methods 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”

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?

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.)

A series of tests (a written assignment, problem solving, spatial relations, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning)

A personal interview.

NSCC Classroom Learning

Communications Human Relations Intro to Technical Writing Computer Fundamentals Intro to Construction

Tech Basic Blueprint Reading Intro to Survey

Techniques Electrical Awareness Blasting Awareness

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

Safety Training Equipment Maintenance Subdivision Small Equipment Paving Grader / Roller Pipe Laying (Water &

Sewer)

Practicum training is conducted at Dexter’s own class room and is taught by our own employees.

Heavy Equipment Theory Heavy Equipment Training Surveying Traffic Control / Signing Concrete Laser Leveling

Paid Work Term

June – Dec 1st each Year Work Experience

Quarry Envirosoil Asphalt Crews Concrete Crews Equipment Operation Subdivision Development Traffic Control Labourer Pipe Laying Surveying Costing / Estimating

Benefits to Student…

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

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

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….

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