By rdnewsNOW Staff

First Intake Oct. 31, 2022

Olds College launches Agriculture Sales & Customer Support Certificate

Jun 30, 2022 | 3:01 PM

Olds College has announced the launch of a new certificate program in Agriculture Sales & Customer Support.

College officials say the program is in alignment with ‘Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs’ plan to expand apprenticeship-style programs.

Developed alongside industry, the program is said to include a paid on-the-job training that will equip students with the necessary experience, skills and knowledge for a successful career in agriculture sales and customer support, servicing the agriculture and agri-food sector.

“The Agriculture Sales & Customer Support certificate program is a unique program that will have students spending more than half their time learning hands-on from industry experts and applying knowledge and skills developed in the classroom to real world settings,” explains Dan Daley, Dean, School of Trades & Skills. “Graduates of the Agriculture Sales & Customer Support program will enter the workforce able to identify the impact of current and emerging agriculture technology trends on products and supports available to clients, as well as evaluate client needs and expectations to recommend solutions.”

The one year program consists of four courses completed on campus within the first term, with the remaining six months spent in a faculty-supported paid job placement. Applications are currently open for the first intake of students, who will arrive on campus October 31, 2022. The program is set to expand in 2023 to offer both on-campus and online delivery to meet the increasing demand for skilled and knowledgeable industry professionals.

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“With the growing needs of the agriculture industry — proper technical, marketing, communication and negotiation skills are imperative,” comments Marco Defranco, General Manager, Human Resources, Rocky Mountain Equipment. “We require new sales talent to join our organization throughout the year to meet these needs. In order to be successful, the salesmen need to be industry trained.”

Defranco adds, “Having individuals go through formal agriculture sales training from Olds College, will greatly benefit our organization and the industry as a whole.”