Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education: Bridging Skills, Industry, and Opportunity

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has spent over a century delivering quality, hands-on education to learners in Alberta and beyond. As a distinct, provincially focused institution, the College supports the teaching and learning of all Albertans through regular programming, continued education, and online and blended offerings. Central to this mission is the College’s Industry Training & Continuing Education department—a dynamic arm dedicated to equipping learners with the practical skills and knowledge required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

A New Name, A Renewed Commitment

In June 2024, the department formerly known as Continuing Education & Corporate Training was renamed to **Industry Training & Continuing Education**. This strategic rebranding reflects the College’s desire to more accurately represent the breadth of its educational offerings and its deep commitment to industry-specific training. As Chris Wharton, Director of Industry Training & Continuing Education, explained: *“By emphasizing ‘Industry Training’ in our name, we not only reflect the true scope of our programs but also highlight growth opportunities that these programs bring to our students and the College.”* The rename signals a recommitment to the department’s core mission of providing high-quality, relevant education tailored to the evolving needs of industries and communities. Buy fake certificate online.

A Diverse Portfolio of Programs

The department offers a wide array of learning opportunities designed to meet learners wherever they are in their career journey. From **microcredentials and short courses** that deliver specialized skills in compact, focused formats, to comprehensive certificate programs that build foundational expertise, the offerings span multiple sectors. Olds College provides a diverse range of microcredential programs designed to equip learners with targeted skills and knowledge, enhancing their competencies in specific areas of interest.

In the business domain, for instance, learners can access online personal and professional development courses covering accounting, project management, human resources, leadership, writing, social media, marketing, and computers. The **Business Management Certificate**—a one-year program—provides foundational business concepts that prepare students for entry-level positions or serve as a springboard toward a full diploma. Through industry-focused instruction, students develop management, marketing, and accounting skills that help organizations reach their goals in today’s technologically complex and competitive environment. Graduates of the certificate program have the option to enroll in the Business Management Diploma, creating a clear and accessible pathway for continued advancement.

Tax Benefits for Students Investing in a Canadian Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education Certificate

Industry Partnerships and Custom Training

What truly sets Olds College apart is its close collaboration with industry. The College works directly with employers to develop and deliver **customized training solutions** tailored to an organization’s unique needs. The process begins with a thorough training needs assessment, followed by curriculum design, training delivery, and evaluation of success and effectiveness. This approach ensures that training investments translate directly into measurable outcomes: enhanced employee skills, increased knowledge, improved productivity and efficiency, greater workplace safety, and stronger employee morale. Moreover, employers may qualify for funding through programs such as the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant, which helps cover the cost of eligible training.

Flexible Delivery for Modern Learners

Recognizing that today’s learners and professionals have diverse schedules and preferences, the department offers training in multiple formats: instructor-led formal classes at the College or on-site at an employer’s location, instructor-led online synchronous or asynchronous classes, blended offerings combining face-to-face and online instruction, and self-directed online training with or without assessment. This flexibility ensures that education remains accessible—whether for an individual seeking to upskill, a company aiming to enhance its workforce, or an industry partner looking to address a specific skills gap.

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation

As Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, Olds College is passionate about advancing the agriculture industry through applied research and integrated learning. The Industry Training & Continuing Education department embodies this passion by extending the College’s reach beyond traditional degree and diploma programs, serving as a vital bridge between education and employment. By empowering learners with relevant, practical skills and forging strong ties with industry partners, the department not only strengthens the regional economy but also contributes to a more skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce across Alberta and beyond.

Whether through a microcredential, a professional development course, or a fully customized industry training program, Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education remains steadfast in its mission: to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of learners and industries alike—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.