Learning from the best

Three faculty in white are seen with their arms folded smiling at the camera.

How NSCC's industry-experienced faculty support your career success

Category: Study at NSCC

Build your career with industry-experienced faculty

When you choose where to study, you chose who teaches and prepares you for your career. At NSCC, that means learning from instructors who've walked the path you're about to take, bringing real-world experience directly into the classroom.

Mentors who've been where you're going

NSCC's faculty are practitioners from the industries you're entering. They’ve worked in hospitals, construction sites, labs and community agencies across Nova Scotia and they are keenly aware of what employers’ need and what skills set you apart.

As Welding alum Shane Lloyd shares: “The instructors are a key part of what makes the program impactful by providing valuable feedback that helps me strengthen my technique and gain my confidence.” His mentor, faculty Frederick Crawley, supported him every step of the way, showing that NSCC instructors see students as future colleagues, not just learners.

Faculty who know you and support you

NSCC's low student-to-faculty ratios mean you're not just a face in a crowd - you're known and your instructors are invested in your individual success. Precision Machining graduate Mollie Campbell still keeps in touch with her shop instructor, Brandon Smith: “Our instructors were great - after a few days the nervousness totally went away. I still keep in touch with my shop instructor, Brandon Smith, who checks in on my brother and I now and again.”

That support often extends long after graduation, with instructors serving as mentors and references throughout your career.

Faculty who understand diverse communities

Representation matters - and makes a difference. In the Wagmatcook Bridge to Construction program, Lead Faculty Collin Denny, a Mi'kmaq speaker from the community, brings cultural understanding into the classroom. “Using familiar words for tools and tasks broke down barriers and built confidence,” Collin explains. “Plus, I knew 90% of the students personally, which helped them relax and engage.” When students see themselves reflected in their instructor - someone who understands their culture and community - they have the space and confidence to do their best work.

Faculty at the forefront of innovation

NSCC faculty don't just teach - they actively solve industry challenges through applied research. Since 2000, NSCC's Applied Research team has grown into a multi-million-dollar operation, with the College ranked among Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges every year since 2013. Your instructors bring cutting-edge knowledge back into the classroom, so you're learning from researchers shaping the future of their fields.

Hands-on learning from practitioners

Because NSCC faculty come from industry, they teach through demonstration, simulators, and real-world coaching. Continuing Care graduate Zena Jarvis credits her success to instructors who believed in her: "Motivation, hard work and the best instructors who believed in me got me through the Continuing Care program."

Your success is their success

At NSCC, faculty measure their success by yours. Whether you're landing your first job, earning your Red Seal or starting your own business, your instructors take pride in knowing they helped you get there.

Ready to learn from instructors who've been there?

Explore NSCC programs and discover how our expert faculty can help you build the career you've been dreaming of.