Olds College Professional & Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning for a Changing World
Nestled in the town of Olds in central Alberta, Canada, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been a pillar of practical, industry-focused education since its establishment in 1913. At the heart of its mission lies the Professional & Continuing Education division—a dynamic arm of the College dedicated to empowering learners at every stage of their careers. Whether individuals seek to upskill in their current profession, reskill for a new role, or simply pursue personal enrichment, Olds College Professional & Continuing Education offers a pathway forward that is as flexible as it is rigorous.
A New Name, A Renewed Commitment
In 2024, the College’s Continuing Education & Corporate Training department was officially renamed “Industry Training & Continuing Education” (ITCE). This change was driven by a desire to more accurately reflect the breadth of its educational offerings and its deep commitment to industry-specific training. The new name underscores a fundamental truth: Olds College does not simply offer courses; it builds bridges between learners and the industries that need their skills. The division issues Certificates of Professional and Continuing Education and Certificates of Participation, ensuring that every completed program carries tangible recognition of achievement. Buy fake certificate online.
A Comprehensive Portfolio Across Diverse Sectors
The breadth of programming offered through Olds College Professional & Continuing Education is remarkable. Learners can choose from courses and certificates spanning Agriculture, Animal Science, Business, Equine Studies, Horticulture, Land and Environment, Service Industry, Trades, and more. In agriculture alone, offerings include the Agriculture Sales and Customer Support Certificate—developed in collaboration with industry leaders—as well as Agronomy Certificate Levels 1 and 2, and Agribusiness Finance Certificate. Animal science enthusiasts can delve into the Beef Production Certificate, Cattle Artificial Insemination, and Veterinary Practice Management Certificate. For those in business, online personal and professional development courses cover accounting, project management, human resources, leadership, social media, marketing, and beyond.
Skills Gained From a Olds College Professional & Continuing Education certificate
Beyond traditional certificates, the division has embraced the growing demand for microcredentials—short, focused courses that provide certification of assessed competencies. These flexible, stackable credentials allow learners to quickly develop job-specific skills and respond to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. In the fall of 2021 alone, Olds College launched nine microcredential badges made up of 40 individual microcredentials in horticulture production, cannabis retail, and beverage production.
Flexible Learning for Busy Lives
Recognising that today’s learners juggle careers, families, and other commitments, Olds College Professional & Continuing Education offers programs in multiple formats. Students can choose from short courses, distance learning, evening and weekend classes, and fully online programs. Whether learning at one’s own pace from home or engaging in hands-on, on-campus training, the division strives to accommodate diverse schedules and life situations. The College’s unique facilities—including a significant land base for practical, hands-on learning—ensure that even online learners benefit from the institution’s rich agricultural and technological heritage.
Industry Partnerships and Customised Training
One of the hallmarks of Olds College Professional & Continuing Education is its deep engagement with industry. The College works closely with industry partners and advisory groups to develop and deliver training that meets real-world needs. Programs require learners to acquire and demonstrate competencies defined and updated through ongoing collaboration with representative industry partners. For organisations seeking tailored solutions, the division offers customised industry training—from training needs assessment and curriculum design to delivery and evaluation. Training can be delivered through instructor-led classes on-site or at the College, online synchronous or asynchronous sessions, blended formats, or self-directed online learning. Employers may even qualify for funding through programs like the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant.
A Growing Impact
The impact of Olds College Professional & Continuing Education is substantial and growing. In the 2024-25 academic year, the College welcomed more learners than ever before through its three schools, Industry Training & Continuing Education programs, and dual credit offerings, enrolling more than 3,500 students. The division serves not only traditional adult learners but also high school students through dual credit programming, allowing grades 10 to 12 students to take approved post-secondary courses while still in high school.
Conclusion
Olds College Professional & Continuing Education stands as a testament to the power of lifelong learning. By combining industry-aligned curriculum, flexible delivery, expert instructors, and a steadfast commitment to practical, hands-on training, it equips learners with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As Director Chris Wharton aptly states, the division is “here to provide quality programming that will benefit you in your career”. For anyone seeking to enhance their professional capabilities or embark on a new career path, Olds College Professional & Continuing Education offers not just education, but opportunity.