Town rallies around training facility
Die Trac’s future as a non-profit corporation looks bright
Last year, when the fate of DieTrac Technical Institute was uncertain, the Town of Lewisporte was determined to see it remain as a training facility for the trades in Lewisporte.
They didn’t want private investors to purchase the business and decide to operate it elsewhere, and the town couldn’t purchase the college under the Municipalities Act, so they investigated a way of setting up a private corporation at arm’s length from the town.
This led to the formation of Lewisporte Community College Inc. (LCCI) and the purchase of DieTrac shares.
On Jan. 30, 2012, DieTrac officially became a nonprofit corporation overseen by the LCCI.
The LCCI board is made up of people from the community with backgrounds in business and education who were identified and approached to become part of the voluntary board.
“The past year has been tremendously challenging and rewarding at the same time,” said DieTrac campus administrator Michael Pearce.
“With any business acquisition there are many details to work out, both large and small. Along with new ownership, you bring into the mix new management and a first-time board, and things become real busy and very interesting.”
Pearce said the fact that the college is now a notfor-profit training institution overseen by a board is definitely advantageous.
“Our mandate, as a college, is to invest into the student experience and to provide a quality learning environment,” he said.
“Our priority is to invest into our students and into our school. The board is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the college and our current members well represent education, business, economic development and municipal affairs.”
In addition to a quality board, Pearce said the administrative and instructional staff have been supportive and receptive to the changes.
The school has focused on operational efficiencies, safety and an improved student environment in the past year.
“From an operational perspective we have implemented many changes related to expense reduction which does not affect the learning experience,” Pearce said. “Everything from advertising to inventory management to recruitment to infrastructure costs are being fine-tuned.”
As a not-for-profit college, DieTrac is able to take advantage of industry partnerships to improve the operation. These partnerships allow DieTrac access to tools, equipment and learning resources that better prepare students for industry.
“Starting anew also brings with it new energy, new ideas, and a new perspective which all contribute to the student experience,” said Pearce.
During the transfer of ownership, Pearce said recruitment and marketing efforts did not get the attention they should have and consequently there was a slight dip in enrolment.
“(But) in September 2012, our numbers rebounded and have continued to be very solid,” he said. “Having said that, we have still taken a comprehensive look at past and existing recruitment efforts. We have looked at the demographic that we serve and we have targeted this group in our efforts to grow enrolment.”
Pearce said the institute believes students are the best source of advertising and DieTrac is determined to provide students with a positive experience that they will convey to others.
They also want to make the campus more accessible to the public and they encourage individuals or groups to tour the facilities, meet the staff and have a look at the shops.
In terms of future program offerings at DieTrac, Pearce said there is a need to constantly evolve and meet the demands of the labour market.
“First, we look at improving our existing programs, next we look at expanding our program offerings, and finally we are looking for ways to build industry partnerships that may lead to contract and specialty training as well as safety training,” he said.
“So from my perspective, planning is an ongoing and critical part of the college’s long-term success.”