There's a Program for THAT?

Looking for a unique, hands-on career? Olds College is for you!

Horticulture Technology

The Horticulture Technologist Diploma provides you with a deeper understanding of horticulture, including the production and management of plants, and the management of pests, landscapes, soils and water systems to achieve productive and sustainable systems. You will learn about designing specialty landscapes, how to start a horticulture business and how to create an entrepreneurial approach to processing plants. You will also learn how to manage production of horticulture crops in response to market demands, as well as recognize the ecological, economic and social implications of horticulture decisions and processes.

Hospitality and Tourism Management

Whether you decide to work abroad or remain close to home, the skills you acquire in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Diploma program will prepare you with a solid management-focused education, making you highly employable in many businesses around the world. Tourism HR Canada has recognized Olds College's Hospitality and Tourism Management program as a SMART accredited program. Our program is the first in western Canada to achieve this accreditation. By leveraging our relationships with industry associations, professional organizations, and tourism operators, students will experience a diverse range of facilities and services focusing on real-life learning. From leisure, tourism, sporting events, and recreation operations, to mixology, culinary theory and everything in between, students will be immersed in applied, hands-on learning.

Meat Processing

The Olds College Meat Processing Certificate is unique in North America, as it packs the whole process stream, from slaughter to retail, into 15 weeks. We teach techniques for professional meat cutting, trimming, boning, breaking, wrapping, sausage-making and curing with professional sanitation and food safety applications, including HACCP. We are Alberta's training site for humane handling and stunning — and the only program in North America that teaches slaughter skills and techniques. We boast an extensive multi-purpose facility that caters to large and small industry — from sausage-making and dried, cured hams to the installation of an industrial canner. At our popular retail counter, you will learn applied retail merchandising and customer service skills in explaining the attributes and benefits of various products and cuts.

Brewing and Brewery Operations

The popularity of craft brewing continues to generate growth in the brewing scene and gives the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management Diploma program broad spectrum appeal. Learn the art, science and business of brewing in our 2,300 square foot dedicated brewing facility. The Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program provides hands-on training that includes researching and developing recipes, sourcing ingredients and conducting trial brews in our small pilot set-ups. Our retail outlet adjacent to the teaching brewery will provide you with the opportunity to connect with prospective customers. Students will receive a solid grounding in technical, analytical, and business skills developed under the direction of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. In addition to the technical elements, students will also be taught the marketing and entrepreneurial skills that are critical for success in the world of brewing.

If working in one of these distinctive industries appeals to you, check out some of the hands-on learning opportunities that Olds College offers and come learn employable skills in our state-of-the-art facilities.