Columbia College’s Integrated Training Programs are designed to prepare students for employment in different sectors of the economy. Students experience classroom instruction in academic skills such as reading, writing, numeracy and computers, along with skill training for a particular job. All integrated training programs include a work experience placement where students can practice the skills they learn. Students also benefit from a workplace culture and communication course.
Program Description
Students can select from the following list of Integrated Training Programs:
Bookkeeping Integrated Training Program
This program is intended for individuals seeking a job as a bookkeeper.
This program takes 48 weeks of instruction to complete. After an initial focus on essential foundational skills, students progress to study the theory and practice of basic bookkeeping, and participate in instruction in commonly used bookkeeping and accounting software.
The Day Care and Day Home Operator
This program is intended for individuals seeking employment providing child care services or opening a day home.
This program is normally completed in 40 weeks, depending on the preparedness of the student. After an initial focus on essential foundational skills, students complete Child Care Level 1 Certification and, if appropriate, Level 2 Certification. Additional courses respecting basic business processes and licensing procedures are offered to those students intending to open their own day home.
Manufacturing, Assembling and Processing Program
This program is intended for individuals seeking employment in industries that produce products for sale, or process raw materials for sale. Examples of employment opportunities include machine operator, materials handler and assembly line worker.
Sales and Services Program
The program is intended for individuals seeking employment in industries that provide services to the public. Examples of employment opportunities include cashier, food server, kitchen helper, shop assistant and retail.
Trades and Transportation Program
This program stream is intended for individuals seeking employment in industries in which trades helpers are used, such as construction, or in which goods are transported, sorted or warehoused. Some other examples of employment opportunities include delivery, construction worker, and trades assistant.
Security Guard
The program is intended for individuals seeking employment as Security Guards.
Students study Security Guard training modules licensed by the Attorney General’s Office. Upon completion of the program, students write the province wide licensing examination that is needed to work in this field.
Health Care Aide Program Stream
This program is intended for individuals seeking a job as a Health Care Aide.
This program takes 48 weeks of instruction to complete. Once the program is completed, students are licensed by the government to work as Health Care Aides in a variety of nursing settings such as acute care hospitals, long-term care settings such as nursing homes and in the community providing homecare.
Course Listings
Refer to the Academic Upgrading Course Description section on the Columbia College website, www.columbia.ab.ca.
Academic Year
Students may be scheduled to start this program at the beginning of any month.
Program Faculty and Staff
Tonalee Andrews Assistant Manager, Work Experience and Employment Services, B.A./B. Ed (University of Calgary, 1991)
Gerald Halabura Program Chair, B.A. (University of Saskatchewan, 1991), M.A. University of Saskatchewan, 1992), B. Ed. (University of Calgary, 1994)
Graduation Requirements
Students who successfully complete their educational goals as set out in their Individual Student Program Plan will receive a Certificate of Program Completion. They will also be invited to attend the annual College Convocation ceremonies held each year.
Further Information
We anticipate the establishment of several more Integrated Training programs in the coming months. Please contact the College for more information at (403) 235-9300.