Baker Technical Institute (BTI) is a leading provider of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs focused on developing the next generation of skilled workers and community leaders in rural communities. It’s an institution that offers cutting-edge education and training, helping graduates access high-salary and high-demand careers in the trades.
Recently, we sat down with Doug Dalton, President of Baker Technical Institute (BTI) to hear his thoughts on how BTI has revolutionized its CTE training programs with cutting-edge simulation technology. That discussion, conducted in cooperation with ACTE, is now available on demand.
Doug Dalton
President of Baker Technical Institute (BTI)
With a background in Business Management, Doug Dalton has a wealth of experience in industry, education, and workforce development. Since becoming President of BTI in 2013, he has worked diligently to transform the institute by building strong community partnerships and industry alliances, driving significant growth across the Western U.S. Under his leadership, BTI has expanded to multiple campuses and launched mobile training programs, focusing on high-demand careers.
Continue reading for some of our top curated highlights from the conversation, including Dalton’s answers to the following questions:
- What challenges do institutions face when introducing simulation technology into their construction CTE training programs?
- How does simulation technology integrate into your CTE curriculum?
- How have instructors and students reacted to the use of simulators, and how does this technology impact learning?
- Does simulator technology empower underrepresented groups and encourage them to enter the trades?
- Does simulation help break down barriers in CTE construction training?
- How does simulation influence student engagement in CTE construction programs?
- Can simulation positively impact the financial operations of construction CTE programs?
Doug Dalton’s approach to personalized, simulation-based training has transformed BTI’s program, allowing students to learn 2.5 times faster while also enhancing safety and engagement. Dalton’s dedication to meeting students where they are, whether in remote regions or facing specific learning challenges, has made BTI a standout provider of CTE training. Here are some facts and figures illustrating BTI’s accomplishments:
- “We estimate that using simulators speeds up learning by about two and a half times.”
- “I couldn’t imagine building a heavy equipment operator school without simulators. The cost of running the program would easily be three times higher without them.”
- “Simulators drive our entire business model, enabling us to grow by 40% a year.”
When we first introduced simulation technology over 10 years ago, we knew that starting a heavy equipment school from scratch would be a challenge. We sought advice from equipment manufacturers who told us to embrace technology early on, even when virtual and augmented reality were still developing.
One of the challenges we faced was ensuring that simulators were integrated effectively into the curriculum. But simulators quickly became a core part of our training program, providing students with a safe, repeatable environment to learn in.
Another challenge was ensuring instructors from the industry, many of whom were new to simulation, adapted to this new tool. However, once they saw how beneficial it was for students, they embraced it wholeheartedly.
We introduced simulation technology from the very beginning when we expanded into heavy equipment operation over 10 years ago. Industry experts advised us to embrace technology early on, and we built our heavy equipment operator school with simulators at its core.
Simulators like those from CM Labs, come with built-in curriculum developed in collaboration with industry experts. This allows students to practice real-world tasks, and they must show proficiency to move on.
Simulators now account for 80% of the curriculum, and we complement this with insights from experienced instructors to guide students through hands-on learning.
Our instructors embraced simulation from the start, and new instructors quickly see its benefits as a learning tool.
As technology has advanced, even experienced operators who have been in the field for decades now embrace simulation. Students today expect more hands-on, project-based learning, and simulators increase engagement, which leads to better learning outcomes.
The immersive nature of simulation helps students retain skills, and by monitoring metrics like bucket fills, instructors can offer detailed feedback.
Using simulators accelerates learning significantly, and prepares students for real-world equipment with greater confidence.
We’ve worked hard to provide access to training for disadvantaged groups, including those in rural areas, correctional facilities, and underrepresented minorities.
Our partnerships and mobile training capabilities allow us to bring simulators to places where people may not otherwise have access. This opens doors for groups like women and minorities, helping them enter the skilled trades and secure high-paying jobs.
Simulators are a fantastic tool for breaking down the intimidation factor of operating heavy equipment, especially for those with no prior experience. Whether someone is new to the industry or a woman entering a male-dominated field, simulators help build confidence.
By the time students get on real equipment, they already feel capable and competitive.
Technology, particularly simulators, greatly increases student engagement. Hands-on, project-based learning helps students stay involved and improves retention of knowledge. When students are immersed in simulation, their brains treat it like real-world experience, making the learning more impactful.
Simulators have significantly impacted our financial operations by drastically reducing costs. We’ve used simulators from day one, so we’ve never had to run the heavy equipment operator school without them. Whether you’re a construction company or a school, simulators save costs across the board—there’s no need to burn fuel, repair equipment, or pay insurance on heavy machinery. I couldn’t imagine building a heavy equipment operator school without simulators. In fact, to get our students to the same level of proficiency using only real equipment, the costs would easily be three times higher.
As a nonprofit, we’re always mindful of expenses, and simulators allow us to offer training at a much lower cost compared to schools that rely solely on physical equipment. Their tuition has to be higher because their operating costs are higher. For us, the use of simulators keeps costs lower, whether it’s for students, companies that hire us, or schools that partner with us.
There is, of course, an upfront investment in the simulators, but over a decade or more, the return on investment is remarkable. Simulators are absolutely worth the investment, and I’d encourage any school considering them to explore grant funding or other financial resources.
Plus, they allow us to be mobile, which means we can provide training across a broad region. We save on diesel costs and don’t have to transport heavy equipment, but we’re still able to serve customers across five states.
In fact, I would argue that simulators drive our entire business model, enabling us to grow by 40% a year and reach more people. So not only are they cost-effective, but they also fuel our growth and ability to help both people and companies.
Want to learn more about Doug Dalton’s insights on the use of simulation and the future of construction CTE education? Watch the full webinar, now available on demand!
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