Trades & Apprenticeship

Master the Trades: Shape Your Future With Confidence

Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment with exceptional faculty, innovative learning facilities, and unique experiential opportunities that will propel you towards a fulfilling and successful career.

Apprenticeship Registration Information

Please note the renovation and expansion of the W.J. Elliott Building (Trades Building) at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is set to begin in Summer 2025. As part of this project, relocation efforts will start on May 1, 2025 to ensure readiness for the August 2025 semester. Details may be subject to change as the project progresses. For the most current information, please visit our dedicated webpage to keep you informed throughout the renovation.

Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Certificate

Length: One Year

Delivery: On-Campus (Olds College / Netook Crossing)

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma

Length: Cert. + One Year

Delivery: On-Campus (Olds College / Netook Crossing)

Intake: Fall Intake (September start)

Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Agriculture Sales and Customer Support Certificate

Length: 10 months

Delivery: Online

Intake: Continuous enrolments throughout the year – per course

Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus (Olds College / Netook Crossing)

Intake: Various Intakes

Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus (Olds College / Netook Crossing)

Intake: Various Intakes

Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship

Length: Four 8-Week Periods

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Welder Apprenticeship

Length: Eight Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus

Intake: Various Intakes

Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

Length: 12 Weeks

Delivery: On-Campus (Olds College / Netook Crossing)

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)

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.

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.

Blacksmithing

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

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.

Fundamental Forging

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

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.

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.

Small Engines

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

Take the Next Step

Begin your career in agriculture, brewing, livestock, equestrian, horticulture and related fields with one simple click.

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