Dakota County Technical College & Inver Hills Community College (One Bold Future)

Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) and Inver Hills Community College operate together under the shared vision of One Bold Future.

As public two-year higher education institutions within the Minnesota State system, they provide:

• Career and technical education programs

• Associate degree programs

• Transfer pathways to four-year universities

• Workforce training and certification programs

• Customized training for business and industry partners

• Student support services focused on career readiness and completion

Together, they focus on providing affordable, accessible education that prepares students for high-demand careers and continued education.

What careers exist here?

Because this is a postsecondary institution, careers fall into two main categories: education professionals and workforce pathway outcomes for students.

Careers Within the Colleges

• College Instructor / Faculty

• Academic Advisor

• Student Services Advisor

• Admissions Counselor

• Financial Aid Specialist

• Workforce Training Coordinator

• Career Services Specialist

• Administrative Support Specialist

• IT Support Specialist

• Facilities & Operations Staff

Careers Students Train For (Examples of Program Pathways)

• Nursing & Healthcare Technician

• Information Technology Specialist

• Automotive Technician

• Welding Technician

• Business Management Professional

• Law Enforcement Officer

• Paralegal

• Engineering Technician

• Early Childhood Educator

• Cybersecurity Specialist

This dual structure makes the institution both an employer and a career pathway provider.

How do people grow or move up here?

For Employees:

Professional growth may include:

• Instructor → Department Lead → Academic Dean

• Advisor → Senior Advisor → Student Services Leadership

• Workforce Coordinator → Director-level leadership

• Cross-campus leadership roles within Minnesota State

For Students:

Students progress through:

• Certificate programs → Associate degrees

• Associate degrees → Transfer to four-year institutions

• Industry certifications → Immediate workforce entry

• Stackable credentials that build long-term earning potential

The One Bold Future vision emphasizes alignment between academic programs and regional workforce needs, strengthening career mobility and advancement.