Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AIT) Entrance Exam Preparation

Intake: Second Wednesday of Every Month

Delivery: Online

So you want to enter into the Apprenticeship system, but you don't have the high school pre-requisites? We can help. Rather than going back to take the high school courses, you can take the Trades Entrance Exam.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Exam Training program consists of four individual courses to prepare participants of the trades industry for success in their continued employment, education and mandatory qualifications exams. These courses are self-directed with no instructor, yet interactive with innovative learning exercises. Students who wish to register to become an apprentice and learn on the job, without the prerequisite high school education, must write an entrance exam based on Math, Science, and English Skills. Similarly, those challenging the trade credential may benefit from these courses if they require some upgrading in basic Science, Math or English.

Each trade requires a variety of different requirements (for example some require Math similar to 20-3, some recommend higher levels), but each of these courses has no prerequisites. The learner can choose which competencies to study that pertains to the exam he or she will be taking. Challenge yourself to increase your success!

AIT Exam Prep Topics: Recommended Materials:

Intro to Math for the Trades

Intro to Science for the Trades

Basic Communication for the Trades

Technical Communication for the Trades

Visit oldscollege.ca/ce for access to materials that will be beneficial to students. This includes the Study Guide from Alberta Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship Education Entrance Requirements and the Prior Learning Assessment examination.

Air Brake Endorsement

Intake: Multiple start dates available

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

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.

After successful completion of the practical and written exams at the conclusion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for the "Q" endorsement through a Registry agent. A practical exam is given at the end of the course. Successful completion of the practical portion at Olds College will enable you to write the written theory portion at a registry office to complete the process with Alberta Transportation.

CWB Weld Testing

Intake: Every Monday, September - April

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

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 may test here. For more information, please call: 1-800-661-6537

Kris: ext 8250 or Tony: ext 8274

Powder Coating

Intake: Second Wednesday of Every Month

Delivery: Online or In-Person at Your Location

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. Learn all of the tips and tricks of this trade from our industry experts. In-person customized contract training is available by request

For more course go to our website

Small Engines - Tune Up & Regular Maintenance

Intake: Fall & Winter

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

For those with little to no experience with engines. This course will cover the theory and techniques to diagnose small engines. Students will then have hands-on time in the lab to tune up and perform regular maintenance on small engines such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. You will come away with a better understanding on how to diagnose electrical, fuel and mechanical problems and get the engine tuned up.

Small Engines - Overhaul Procedures

Intake: Fall & Winter

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

For those that have either completed the Tune Up and Regular maintenance course or someone that has a good deal of experience in regular maintenance of small engines and wants to learn how to overhaul an engine. This course will go into depth regarding the overhaul of engine systems, drive trains and electrical systems.

Introduction to Welding

Intake: Fall & Winter

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

For beginners as well as welders who would like more hands-on practice. This course will cover the theory, techniques, and shop practice of oxy-acetylene welding of mild steel, brazing, flame cutting, arc welding, and MIG welding.

Note: Students must bring PPE - Safety Glasses, Coveralls, Good Sturdy Shoes (steel toe recommended), Welding Gloves, Pliers, Welding Beanie or hat. Welding hood will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Ages 14 & 15 can enroll along with a parent who has some welding experience. Age 16+ can enroll without a parent.

Fundamental Forging

Intake: Fall & Winter

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

Learn basic blacksmith skills in a one-day hands-on course. These courses include an overview of safety, tools, and forge management. You will go home with at least one finished project to brag about. This is a great opportunity for you to be creative and learn a heritage skill.

Skills Learned: Available Projects:

Tools and forge management

Draw out & flatten

Punching holes

Chiseling

Forming scrolls

Forming leafs

Key Holder

Wall Hook

Horse Hoof Pick

Bottle Opener

J hook

Jewellery

Door Handle

Shepherd's Hook

Beyond Beginner Blacksmithing

Intake: Fall & Winter

Delivery: In Person at the Olds College Campus

This intense two-day format builds on the skills learned in the fundamental forging courses. Although there is not a formal prerequisite to this course, this 2-day course is intense and you are in for a workout and steep learning curve if you haven't done any forging, but if you like a challenge and are up for it, jump in. These courses include discussion of techniques, demonstrations and lot of practice in front of the forge. You will go home with the tools that you made.

Skills Learned: Available Projects:

Rivet two pieces of forged material together, Chiseling to make the split scroll ends

Twisting joinery,

Riveting and or collaring

Rasping and filing

Punches, Riveting Tools, and Tongs

These projects will help you in making your own tools for you to add to your toolbox.

Scrolls, Circles, and Rivets

Create a garden trivet.

Campfire Set

A portable pot hanger and frying pan holder set.

Interested in bringing your own project and materials to work on at our facility? Call us at 1.800.661.6537

For more course information go to our website

Olds College Continuing Education and Corporate Training is excited to introduce online microcredentials. From beverage production to horticulture to cannabis — these self-directed, online microcredentials align with some of the most desired skills sought by top industries. Through earning microcredentials, individuals will be able to boost their careers with practical skills, recognize what they’ve learned while on the job, and share their skills with employers.

Digital Badges

Once learners have demonstrated proficiency in the microcredential, they are provided with a digital badge. Learners have control over where they share digital badges, future employers are immediately able to view qualifications related to specific skills through Olds College’s digital wallet, MyCreds.ca. Upgrading microcredentials to badges allows students to further increase their knowledge and reflect their professional skills.

Who is a Microcredential Best Suited For?

That’s the wonderful thing about each microcredential, often they can be taken by anyone and do not require prerequisites or previous training. Microcredentials provide the opportunity for those currently in associated industries or those looking to enter the industry with the competencies they will need to take their career to the next level.

Microcredentials and badges are offered in several sought after industries:

• Horticulture Production

• Introduction for Crop Production & Facilities

• Cannabis Legislation & Documentation

• Horticulture for Cannabis Production

• Cannabis Retail

• Beverage Production

• Agriculture

• RVT Recertification

More coming soon! Visit oldscollege.ca/microcredentials for up to date information.