A+ for innovation and industry partnerships

At Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), we take the “community” in our name to heart. We serve the province through a network of 13 community-based campuses and offer about 120 programs in five academic schools – including nearly 4,200 students at three HRM campuses. These programs reflect the labour market needs and opportunities of the provincial economy and set graduates on a course for career success.

As an organization, we believe that life-long learning is the key to sustainable prosperity. Likewise, the College must continue to evolve the programs and services we provide. Collaboration is essential. NSCC works closely with industry partners and experts to help us develop and deliver educational opportunities that align with the advanced skills they need to compete.

Innovation  is critical to placing Nova Scotia at the leading edge of the global economy. It increases productivity, supports emerging sectors and responds to our changing environment. NSCC’s applied learning model has students collaborating with businesses and communities every day to find solutions to real-world challenges. NSCC research scientists are mapping coastal flood zones, designing tools to help businesses become more efficient, creating devices that improve mobility and quality of life for individuals – all while fostering the thrill of discovery in the students working at their sides.

At NSCC, we’re also evolving the way we deliver our programs to meet more learners where they are in their lives and in their careers. That means designing flexible programs that blend online and applied learning; it means delivering customized training to industries and communities when and where it’s needed. 

We also know that learning does not begin and end with a credential. It happens over a lifetime and in many different ways. We work with students to transfer what they’ve learned through work experiences, volunteer activities and on-the-job training to the NSCC program they’ve entered – giving credit where credit is due. Our students also participate in service-learning, which integrates active, meaningful community service with instruction and reflection. Service-learning is often featured in the portfolios that every NSCC graduate must build as part of their studies. Employers will see more than a skill-set in an NSCC graduate – they’ll see someone with a demonstrated record of team work, initiative and adaptability.

More and more in the 21st century we need educated citizens who have the skills, knowledge and imagination to ignite the possibilities before them – making this happen is not the responsibility of one, but rather a community.

 

Halifax is Canada’s smart city.  We have one of the largest concentrations of universities and colleges in North America and one of the best educated workforces in all of Canada.  This series explores and celebrates the numerous post-secondary assets in Halifax; the sector’s impact on our economy and community; research and commercialization; and partnerships between post-secondary and business.

 

Don Bureaux is the President of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). He is an experienced leader dedicated to the education of adult learners throughout Nova Scotia.