Industry Training & Continuing Education

If you are considering continuing education or looking to enhance or change your career, Olds College’s Industry Training and Continuing Education programs are a great place to begin.

We offer short courses, distance learning, evening classes and online programs to accommodate your busy lifestyle. View our programming through the listings on this page or through our Industry Training & Continuing Education Calendar that is published annually.

If you have any questions regarding an Industry Training & Continuing Education class, please email coned@oldscollege.ca or call 403.556-4740.

Download The 2024-25 Program Guide

Explore Industry Training & Continuing Education Courses

Programs Continuing Education View All

Accounting

Are you looking to pick up some basic accounting courses? Do you want to learn how to use Sage 50 programs to do your small business books? We have a number of non-credit courses available throughout the year that will help your small business operate more effectively.

Administrative Assistant Certificate

Gain a wide range of skills that will be utilized in the office environment. This program will prepare you to work in various office settings as well as providing skills that can be utilized in your own business or farming operations.

Agribusiness Finance Certificate

Advance your rural enterprise! Upgrade your management skills and improve your financial assessment skills! Whether you are a rural business owner or an agricultural lender, this online program will assist you in promoting better business practices within conventional and non-conventional agriculture.

Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma

Length: Cert. + One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Agricultural Management Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Agriculture Lender's Workshop

For more than 35 years, the Agriculture Lenders Workshop has been a professional development experience for beginning and continuing lenders and other financial professionals in the agricultural industry.

Agriculture Sales and Customer Support Certificate

Length: 10 months

Delivery: Online

Intake: Continuous enrolments throughout the year – per course

Agriculture Technology Integration Post-Diploma Certificate

Length: Eight months

Delivery: Blended

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Agronomy Certificate Level I

This entry-level program answers the industry's call for trained crop scouts possessing basic agronomic skills. Interactive online discussion is emphasized to meet your needs, and an on-campus Field School will cap the program of study.

Agronomy Certificate Level II

The Agronomy Certificate Level II program builds upon the agronomic skills gained in the Level I certificate. Upon completion of these courses, you will be able to integrate agronomic concepts and make general recommendations regarding crop production.

AHLA Hospitality Training Courses

The AHLA (Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association) Hospitality Training Course is comprised of over 100 unique video assets and designed for those entering, and currently working in the hotel sector of the hospitality industry.

Air Brake Endorsement

Classes 2-5 drivers are able to take this course and add a "Q" endorsement to their license (Class 1 drivers have air brakes specific testing). Class 5GDL is acceptable. Class 7 (learners) cannot attend a Q endorsement training.

Animal Welfare & Humane Slaughter

This stand alone online program is designed as a cohesive overview of the theory and applications that relate to the slaughter of all species that are processed in Canada.

Applied Botany

Basic plant anatomy at the cellular level and whole organ level is covered as well as the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AIT) Entrance Exam Preparation

These online, self-directed courses are interactive with innovative learning strategies. The courses are developed to help you learn the competencies required to be successful in passing the Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training Entrance Exam.

Arboriculture

This course outlines basic terminology used in arboriculture, the principles of installation, and care and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape.

Arboriculture Technician Certificate

Length: Four Months

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Winter Intake (January start)

Awareness of Agricultural Technology in IP Commercialization Microcredential

Through five comprehensive modules, you’ll explore the key concepts of intellectual property (IP) in agriculture, commercialization strategies, market assessment, business development, regulatory considerations and IP protection and enforcement.

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree - Agribusiness

Length: Diploma + Minimum 16-Months

Delivery: On-campus + Directed Field Study

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management

Length: Diploma + Two Years

Delivery: Blended full-time, synchronous program delivery

Intake: Fall (November start online; on-campus beginning of January)

Bachelor of Applied Science - Horticulture

Length: Diploma + Two Years

Delivery: Blended full-time, synchronous

Intake: Fall (November start online; on-campus beginning of January)

Bachelor of Digital Agriculture

Length: Four Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Basics of Canine Massage

This entry level introductory course utilizes both theory-based knowledge training and hands-on massage for your canine partner.

Basics of Equine Massage Therapy Workshop

This course utilizes both theory-based knowledge training and hands-on massage for your horse. Some prior knowledge of equine anatomy will assist learners to gain the maximum knowledge & benefit from this course, however it is not required.

Basics of Horticulture Business Management

This course introduces business management basics for operating a small business within the horticulture industry.

Basics of Horticulture Marketing

Learn marketing basics as you gain an understanding of the fundamental marketing elements of the Canadian and prairie horticultural industry.

Beef Production Certificate

This exciting new beef certificate will provide online training to students interested, or already employed, in the livestock work force.

Blacksmithing

Learn basic blacksmith skills in a hands-on course. The course includes an overview of safety, tools, and forge management.

Bovine Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an extremely accurate tool for evaluating pregnancy and the reproductive tract of cattle! Did you know that using an ultrasound for beef cattle can help improve efficiency, increase safety, and reduce strain on your body?

Business Management Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Business Management Diploma - General Management Major

Length: Certificate + One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Business Management Diploma - Sports Management Major

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Cannabis Crop Production

Students will learn about the specific Cannabis production requirements and harvesting criteria under controlled environment culture.

Cannabis Production Program - Level 1

This program prepares graduates for employment in the growing cannabis production industry, or to support those already in the workplace.

Case New Holland Technician

Olds College and Case New Holland Limited have teamed up to offer this unique program as a professional development stream for Case New Holland Technicians to become certified.

Cattle Artificial Insemination

Students are introduced to all aspects of artificial insemination and herd reproduction management.

Certified Crop Adviser

Take advantage of this intensive tutorial training session and prepare to write the Certified Crop Adviser Prairie Province and International exam.

Climate Risk & ESG for Corporate Governance and Decision-making

Governments and regulators are increasingly demanding more climate disclosures and climate-related
information. This has resulted in a surge in demand for professionals who have the skills and knowledge to
advance climate and sustainability initiatives.

CODESYS

This Specialized training focuses on Programming / Coding PLC's ( Programmable Logic Controllers) that can be used in controlling Machines, a Hobby Project, or developing controls for an idea that relies on Electronic Control.

Computer Courses

Are you looking to expand your computer knowledge? We offer a number of introductory and intermediate courses in Windows, Microsoft and Adobe products, entirely online.

Corporate Training

Your organization’s goals and challenges are unique and the program development and delivery professionals at Olds College take the time to understand your needs.

Craft Beverage and Brewery Operations Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Craft Distilling

This program provides applicable and necessary hands-on training, and is committed to the promotion of sustainable production practices.

CWB Weld Testing

Olds College is an authorized test centre for the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). Welders who are not employed by a company certified to CSA W47.1 and are not a member of a union providing testing facilities, are eligible for testing.

Drone Flight School

Whether you’ve never flown a drone and want to learn, or are looking to refine your skills, this class is for everyone.

Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise Certificate

Environmental Science and Technology Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Equine Care and Management Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: Blended

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Student wearing an Olds College Vest standing with a horse.

Equine Massage Therapy Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Equine Reproduction Technician

Length: One Year

Delivery: Blended

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Extraction and Purification for the Cannabis/Hemp Industry

Students will learn about the processes involved for the extraction of cannabis oil and the process required to produce different qualities of refined and purified oil from cannabis and industrial hemp.

Farrier Science Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Fibre Programs

First Aid

All training courses are hands-on with horses who are patient and willing. You'll learn through a combination of PowerPoint, video and real-life scenarios how to handle emergencies with confidence and skill.

Floral Design

The course covers the theory and practice of floral design.

Fundamental Forging

Learn basic blacksmith skills in a hands-on course. The course includes an overview of safety, tools, and forge management.

Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Heavy Equipment Operator in an Excavator

Heavy Equipment Operator - Individual Piece Training

You will receive industry-standard safety training and 50 hours of seat time that will expose you to the skills and tasks needed by multiple industry sectors.

Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Home Game Butchering

A great beginner course for anyone looking to cut and process their own game. Learn proper and efficient techniques that may be easily done from home.

Home Sausage Making

This hands-on class is a perfect fit for someone looking to learn about sausage making production for home use.

Horse Hoof Care and Trimming

Save money and improve hoof health by learning the basics of hoof anatomy, care and trimming.

Horticulture Technologist Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Hospitality and Tourism Management Post-Diploma Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September); Winter Intake (January)

Hospitality & Tourism Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September); Winter Intake (January)

Hospitality and Tourism Management Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September)

Indoor Agriculture Certificate

In this introductory program, you will gain hands-on experience and the knowledge necessary to optimize plant growth with indoor growing technology.

Industrial Value Added Meat Processing

The Industrial Value-Added Meat Processing training covers the best practices for commercial business to meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Standards ( CFIA).

Introduction to Craft Beverages and Brewing

This online introductory program prepares graduates for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Olds College is offering introductory courses in QGIS and ArcGIS Pro for professionals using the software in the workplace and anyone with an interest in GIS technology.

Introduction to Veterinary Medicine for Teens

hrough classroom learning, demonstration and hands-on learning opportunities you will learn basic skills and become familiar with various career opportunities related to veterinary science.

Introduction to Welding

This program is for beginners and for welders who would like more hands on practice.

John Deere Technician

Olds College and John Deere Limited have teamed up to offer this unique program as a professional development stream for John Deere Technicians to become certified.

Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship

Length: Four 8-Week Periods

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Lawn & Garden Domestic Pesticide Dispenser

All Alberta sales outlets selling Domestic Class Lawn and Garden Pesticides must employ a Certified Pesticide Dispenser.

Leadership Training

Our Leadership Workshops are designed not just to educate but to transform. They equip your team with the necessary skills to foster a positive work environment, enhance interpersonal relationships, and drive successful outcomes.

Level 1 Beekeeping

Build or enhance your own backyard beekeeping operation!

Master Spinner Certificate

The Master Spinner Program consists of six progressive levels of classroom and independent study involving skill development, research studies and project assignments in the area of hand spinning of all major types of fibers, yarns and the end use of the spun yarns.

Master Weaver Certificate

The Master Weaver Program consists of four progressive levels of classroom and independent study involving skill development, research studies and project assignments.

Meat Processing Certificate

Length: 15 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Microcredentials

Olds College is excited to offer online microcredentials that align with some of the most desired skills sought by top industries.

Online Business Courses

Learn about Accounting, Project Management, Human Resources, Leadership, Writing, Social Media, Marketing, Computers and More.

Open Studies

Length: Varies

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September); Winter Intake (January)

Pasture to Plate Direct Marketing

Participants will gain skills over a six-week time frame that will help them to better understand livestock agro-food systems, niche product marketing, and how they can apply direct marketing skills to their own operations.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification

Pesticide Applicator Certificates are issued for up to 5 years, prior to expiration you need to either complete the required number of Continuing Education Units (CEU) to recertify or rewrite the exam.

Pesticide Applicator Tutorials

Industry experts will help you prepare for your Agriculture, Industrial and Landscape exams in-class and with hands-on sessions!

Post-Diploma Certificate

Length: One year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Project Management Post-Diploma Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Supply Chain Management Post-Diploma Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September) ; Winter Intake (January)

Powder Coating

In this training session, you will discover the benefits and costs of powder selection, the safety hazards and controls, surface prep and substrates, hanging systems, booth design, powder application, ovens and curing, and quality control and testing.

Prairie Hort Certificate

The Prairie Horticulture Certificate program is the online program in horticulture designed specifically for the prairie provinces and is offered through the Continuing Education department.

Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Summer

Pre-Employment Motorcycle Mechanic

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Winter Intake (January)

Pre-Employment Welder

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: Blended

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Professional Racetrack Exercise Rider Program

The Professional Racetrack Exercise Rider Program is a “Learn and Earn” concept program that will give you the confidence and skill to become a professional licensed Exercise Rider at Alberta Horse Racing Tracks!

Professional Racetrack Groom Course

The Professional Racetrack Groom Course is a “Learn and Earn” concept program that will give you the confidence and skill to become a professional licensed Groom at Alberta Horse Racing Tracks!

Professional Racetrack Groom Course

Reclamation Workshops

Olds College offers a number of courses based on teaching the fundamentals of reclamation in terms of mitigating environmental impact of industry, so companies can thrive without damaging the world around us.

Small Engines

Learn theory and techniques to diagnose and repair small engines such as motorcycles, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snowmobiles, and other small engines.

Stump Treatment Pesticide Certificate Tutorial

The Stump Treatment Pesticide Certificate is required for individuals applying herbicides to stumps and is available only to those with a Utility Tree worker or Utility Tree Trimmer Certificate.

Surface Land Management (SLM)

The Surface Land Management courses will equip learners with essential knowledge and skills, preparing them to navigate the complexities of land management in Canada, particularly within Alberta.

Transitional Employment Program

Length: 11 Months

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Summer

Turf Science Certificate

This certificate addresses general and specialized aspects of the science, current cultural systems and construction practices for the turf industry.

Turfgrass Management Diploma

Length: Two Years

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Winter Intake (January)

Utility Tree Worker Safety Training

After successful completion of this certification course you will be eligible to register for your Utility Tree Worker and Utility Tree Trimmer certificate with Professional Vegetation Managers Association.

Utility Tree Worker & Utility Tree Trimmer Recertification

Utility Tree Worker and Utility Tree Trimmer certifications are valid for 5-years and expire on June 30 of the 5-year anniversary of registration.

Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Three intakes per year

Veterinary Practice Management

This program is ideal for those actively working in a veterinary clinic and interested in leading best business practices.

Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate

Length: Four Months

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Three intakes per year

Veterinary Technology Diploma

Length: 18 months

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Three intakes per year

Welder Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Important: The information below only applies to Continuing Education & Corporate Training programming.

Refund requests, accompanied by the original course receipt, received at Olds College three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course will be granted in full, less course specific material fees that have been incurred, non-refundable deposits and an administration fee of 20% of the course tuition or $150, whichever is less. No refunds will be issued less than three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course. Non-attendance does not constitute notice of withdrawal. In the event that a course is cancelled, registrants will receive a full refund.

* *This policy does not apply to the Prairie Horticulture Certificate