DXATC begins planning for new campus

ST. GEORGE – Method Studio has been selected as the architectural firm to begin the master planning and programing for the Dixie Applied Technology College permanent campus to be located on the old airport hill.  This marks a monumental milestone in the progress of the college.

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Student in Drafting & Design, Tonaquint Campus, St. George, Utah, January 2013 | Photo by K. Hulett Photography, courtesy of DXATC, St. George News

DXATC was created in 2001 when the legislature founded the Utah College of Applied Technology, as one of eight campuses charged with providing workplace training to meet the needs of regional employers.

In its 13 year history, the college has operated in leased facilities: first in partnership with Dixie State College, locating in the old Harmon’s Grocery Store building; and then in partnership with the City of St. George, relocating to the Tonaquint Center on Silicon Way.

While faculty and staff are thrilled to begin the planning process for their permanent campus, DXATC Marketing Director Jennifer Forbes said, they are even more thrilled to work with students at the college each day.

Every certificate program offered at the college is a direct result of industry demand.

“If industry comes to us and says they need employees who are qualified with a specific skill set, we work with them to design a program that will meet that need,” Forbes said.

Wilson Electronics production manager Dino Reber in the CNC lab, Tonaquint Campus, St. George, Utah, January 2013 | Photo by K. Hulett Photography, courtesy of DXATC, St. George News

An example is the new HVAC program recently launched at the college.  A group of HVAC company owners approached college administration and expressed a need for certified employees to meet an ever-growing demand.  An employer advisory committee was formed, curriculum was designed with input from that group, and the program was opened in January.

Industry partnerships strengthen programs in health care, manufacturing, information technology, drafting, diesel, office, and pharmacy tech.  Students have opportunities to learn from industry experts and test their developing skills with internships.

Instructor Derek Hadlock with Medical Assisting students, Tonaquint Campus, St. George, January 2014 | Photo courtesy of DXATC, for St. George News
Instructor Derek Hadlock with Medical Assisting students, Tonaquint Campus, St. George, January 2014 | Photo courtesy of DXATC, St. George News

Dixie State University and Washington County School District also partner with DXATC.  High school students are able to attend tuition-free, which makes earning a certificate very affordable as they only pay program fees.  Once a student completes a certificate program, they can articulate to DSU where their certificate of 900 hours or more gives them 30 DSU credits toward an Associate of Applied Science, or an Associate Degree, which can then put them on track for a Bachelors Degree.

Every year thousands of lives are changed in large part due to DXATC. One example is that of Darren Chase. Chase was working in a local factory and knew he had untapped potential. His employers saw his potential and enrolled him in the DXATC manufacturing operations program. He immediately excelled in the program and was promoted within the company during his first semester.

After completing the manufacturing operations program Chase took full advantage of the articulation agreement with DSU. He fast-tracked through his associates degree, and then earned his bachelor’s degree. Today Chase owns his own production business and continues to succeed.

Tonaquint Campus, St. George, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of DXATC, for St. George News
Tonaquint Campus, St. George, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of DXATC,  St. George News

Whether it be a person that was recently laid off from a job and needs to retool their skill set in order to become more marketable, a student out of high school that uses DXATC programs to launch into a university education or career, or a single mom that acquires new skills and taps into hidden capabilities that lead her to a higher paying career, DXATC succeeds at accomplishing its mission to be forward thinking, future focused and job ready.

DXATC contact information

Information regarding class offerings, dates and times, class fees and registration can be found on the DXATC website or by telephoning 435-674-8400.

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