Trades

Olds College and Case New Holland (CNH) Limited have teamed up to offer this unique program as a professional development stream for CNH Technicians to become certified. The program is structured over four years with ten weeks of training at Olds College each year. Applicants must be employed by a sponsoring CNH dealer and indentured as an agricultural equipment technician apprentice or a heavy equipment technician apprentice, or already have Journeyman status in either trade. You may only apply with employer permission. The program supplements apprenticeship training with specialty training on CNH equipment. CNH employed Journeymen may take the specialty training as a standalone program.

You will be trained in Case New Holland specifics such as CNH round Balers, EST & ASIST diagnosis, repair and parts manuals, information retrieval & colour monitors, wiring diagrams, eTim, detailed report writing, customer relations, personal finance, electronic and heritage engines. You will benefit from an unparalleled level of expertise with our program coordinator and team of instructors with advanced CNH industry experience. All our instructors attend industry instructor events and are continuously upgrading to stay current with CNH latest product lines and technology.

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. Applicants must be employed by a sponsoring John Deere Dealer and indentured as an agricultural equipment technician apprentice or heavy equipment technician apprentice, or already have Journeyman status in either trade. You may only apply with employer permission. This program supplements apprenticeship training with specialty training on John Deere equipment. John Deere employed Journeymen may take the specialty training as a standalone program.

You will benefit from studying in a facility specifically built and equipped with 1.5 million dollars of equipment to professionally develop John Deere technicians. John Deere supplies their most updated product line equipment such as combines, four-wheel tractors, balers, mower conditioners, forage harvesters, air seeders and sprayers.

If you want to get your hands on the newest and largest industry equipment in service come to Olds College. This comprehensive program will give you a thorough understanding of engines, hydraulics, braking, electrical, starting, charging, fuel systems and more. Our classrooms are discipline specific (i.e. motor lab, machinery lab) with small student to instructor ratio and personal workbenches. With our experienced industry-trained instructors you will receive an education placing you at the forefront of the technical curve.

Classes 2-7 drivers are able to take this course and add a Q endorsement to their license (Class 1 drivers have air brakes specific testing). 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.

This course is hands on! Bring your bike and any tools you might have on hand that you've used in the past. We will have tools for you and you can see some specialized tools you might want to try. Learn how to keep your ride going for the season and save yourself costly repairs you can do yourself. 

Previously known as CFC/HCFC/HFC Control in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry, this course is based on Environment Canada's "Code of Practice for Reducing CFC Emissions in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems." This course addresses environmentally-correct equipment design, proper handling of CFC/HCFC/HFC's, and will prepare participants for complying with provincial regulations. This course is suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, domestic, automotive and mobile applications.

For all motorcycle owners. Learn about the maintenance that will increase the life of your bike and keep you safe on the road. General knowledge of your bike.- how to be prepared- emergency fixes, safety,

Learn theory and techniques to diagnose and repair small engines such as motorcycles, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snowmobiles and more. This course will help you develop better understanding of how to diagnose electrical, fuel and  mechanical problems, and quickly make the needed repairs to get your engine running smoothly.

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 and Industry Training Entrance Exam. These courses are able to be customised by the learner. Courses include introductions to Math, Science, Basic Communications and Technical Communications for Trades workers.

Register in this course if your Professional Vegetation Management Association (Formerly IVMAA) certificate is within months of expiring. Certifications are valid for 5 years and expire on June 30 of the 5 year anniversary of registration.

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. The Stump Treatment tutorial (1.5 hours ) and Exam (1.5 hours) are optional for Utility Tee Workers/Utility Tree Trimmers. The sessions take place in the evening during the Utility Tree Worker/Utility Tree Trimmer Safety Course.

This course was created and is maintained by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association (formerly IVMAA)in association with the Electrical Safety Technical Service Division of Alberta Labour, Olds College and major utilities and their contractors in Alberta This is a certification course, you are expected to have experience working in the industry.

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

This two-day format will allow the individual that has either completed the FUNdamental Forge course or has done forging on his/her own to step into the next phase. Participants will build multiple tools to use in the creation of a more complex design. (ie various  punches, chisels etc and other projects). This course will include discussion of techniques, demonstration and lots of practice in front of the forge. Come ready for a workout, with great tangible results. 

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.

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

Design your own custom metal sign!  In this course you will learn how to use the computer software to design your own 10 gauge metal sign, approximately 3 square feet. You will learn how to design, then prepare your project for cutting on the PlasmaCam cutting table. This is a great way to not only learn a new skill, but go home with a finished sign that would retail at a price higher than the cost of the course.

This is a great opportunity to use basic carpentry skills to make not so basic projects out of pallets! We will have approximately 4 projects for you to choose from, there are lots of chances to be creative and personalize your project.

Come have a great time and go home with a finished project

Offering full-time studies in Trades & Apprenticeships, including: