A shared services agreement for continuing education and customized training will allow DCTC and IHCC to more effectively respond to the needs of business and industry
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) President Ron Thomas and Inver Hills Community College (IHCC) President Tim Wynes are pleased to announce a shared services agreement between the two college’s continuing education and customized training divisions, effective Friday, June 15, 2012.
Through the agreement, DCTC and IHCC will work together to provide services to enhance economic development and offer education and training services throughout the region. Staff and programs will be maintained on each campus under the management of DCTC Dean of Continuing Education & Customized Training Patrick McQuillan.
Patrick McQuillan | Dean of Continuing Education & Customized Training“Business and industry has plenty on its plate after the recent economic downturn and the growing skills gap being seen with workers,” said McQuillan. “By DCTC and IHCC working together, we can respond more quickly and effectively to the business community – and that benefits our entire region.”In addition to serving as a response to the business community, the shared services agreement aligns with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Strategic Framework adopted last fall. The framework specifically calls for members of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to ‘be the partner of choice to meet Minnesota’s workforce and community needs.’ Thomas and Wynes concur that the two colleges will be better equipped to serve customers through the agreement.
“IHCC and DCTC have incredible strengths when it comes to working with business and industry,” said President Wynes. “Our strengths are also the differences between our institutions, though, and Dr. Thomas and I feel we can more effectively enhance economic development in this region by working together.”
Although there will be organizational alterations, both presidents want to assure business and industry the changes will not delay the ability of either institution to respond to customer needs.
“Our intention with this agreement is to maximize our effectiveness in serving the needs of the business community,” said President Thomas. “Our colleges are always striving to be nimble, efficient and effective. President Wynes and I know this agreement will take our work with business and industry to the next level.”
Founded in 1970, Dakota County Technical College is a two-year technical college offering more than 50 programs and hundreds of courses in areas that include business and management, design, health care, information systems, technical careers, transportation and general education. DCTC serves more than 11,500 students annually. Nearly 3,000 are enrolled in credit-based programs and majors with some 8,500 enrolled in customized training or noncredit courses. Learn more at dctc.edu.
About Inver Hills
Founded in 1970, Inver Hills Community College is a comprehensive college committed to continuously improving student understanding and capabilities that help students lead purposeful lives, contribute to a vital social and economic community, and pursue lifelong learning. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, the college offers more than 20 degree options, including liberal education courses and career-related degrees in leading occupational areas. Continuing education and industry certification courses are offered for employees in the workforce, as well as training programs customized to the specific needs of businesses offered on campus or on site. For more information, visit www.inverhills.edu or call 651.450.3578.
