Applications are now being accepted for Olds College’s new Agriculture Sales Certificate. Offered through Continuing Education, the new credential was created with industry partners who identified a need for marketing and sales training specific to the agriculture industry.
“We were approached by industry partners who were looking for training opportunities for their staff in the areas of professional selling, marketing and negotiation,” comments Debbie Bailey, Senior Manager, Continuing Education & Corporate Training, Olds College. “Through the flexible program development environment of continuing education, we were able to develop a certificate for them within a few months. We were also able to create a delivery model for the program that supports working professionals, allowing them to still work full-time while taking the certificate.”
The program is designed to increase knowledge and skills in the areas of professional selling, marketing and sales, agricultural negotiations and ethics, and communications. Delivery is designed for working professionals, with all courses being offered online and individual courses delivered over a two month period. Olds College also worked to ensure the program is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.
“In our business, experience builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A professional, strategic beginning is the recipe for a long successful career in the industry,” comments Jim Wood, Chief Sales and Operations Officer, Rocky Mountain Equipment. “We are excited for the opportunity to have employees complete the new Agricultural Sales Certificate program delivered through Olds College or have someone that has completed the program join our team. This is long overdue in the Ag industry and shows the significance of a career in Ag Equipment Sales.”
The Agriculture Sales Certificate consists of four required courses, including: Professional Selling, Marketing Principles, Negotiation & Dispute Resolution, and Workplace Communications.
Students also take one option course to complete the certificate. The Agriculture Sales Certificate can also be used as credits toward agriculture and agriculture technology-based full-time programming at Olds College, if students wish to pursue a diploma or applied degree.
Learn more about the Ag Sales Certificate
