This fully online Ontario College Diploma completion program is an innovative initiative providing tradespersons who possess their Certificate of Qualification within their trade with the opportunity to develop business-related skills necessary to plan and manage a business. Small businesses continue to show growth in today's economy providing tradespeople possessing a combination of trade and business knowledge opportunities in this expanding area. The personal development in these areas is achieved through the cultivation of business competencies in preparation for roles in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship and management. This innovative program recognizes the prior learning and practical experience of qualified tradespersons and reflects core business curriculum informing trades business management including the basics of finance, marketing, operations and human resources as well as legal, ethical and planning considerations. Laddering opportunities exist for those possessing College Certificates in Trades Management, Trades Leadership or Trades Entrepreneurship.

Graduates of this program may find employment opportunities in numerous areas. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, locally and internationally. Graduates are well positioned to start their own trades-related business, to manage a small to medium-sized trades-related business, or use their newly developed skills and knowledge to improve their existing business. Employment may also exist in both the private and public sectors where strong leadership, management and entrepreneurship skills and the ability to adapt to change are highly desired. Those currently involved in a family-related business would be well positioned to lead or manage such enterprises.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within six years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have an entrepreneurial spirit and are comfortable with risk.
• Are hardworking and motivated to take actions.
• Are confident in an online learning environment.
• Appreciate having tangible results from their work.

Careers

Graduates of this program may elect self-employment as a small business owner or find employment in the trades-related fields as business managers, maintenance and trades managers as well as trades supervisors.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:

1. Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization's business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
2. Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization's business initiatives.
3. Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
6. Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
7. Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
8. Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
9. Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
10. Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
11. Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
13. Perform trade-related practices to industry standards.
14. Respond to the evolving market needs by developing innovative or modified products, concepts, goods and services.
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

BUSINESS - TRADES
Program Code 1828X07PAO

This program requires an application process. Proof of an Ontario College of Trades Certificate of Qualification, or an equivalent credential is required to be submitted along with the application form.

Application to this part-time program must be submitted via our online application form available at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-graduate-certificate-application-form/.

Prior to starting your application, please ensure that you have consulted the program admission requirements and have all the supporting documentation in a digital format ready to be uploaded.

Applications submitted in a paper format or via email will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be processed.

Applications will typically be processed within 2-3 weeks but can take longer during peak times and start of academic terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to start of term.

Program Resources

This completion program is specifically designed for qualified tradespersons where the knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeship/journeyperson training provides the basis for advanced standing into the program. For this reason, this completion program is only open to qualified tradespersons.

Graduates from the Trades Entrepreneurship, Trades Management or Trades Leadership College Certificates will receive credit for six courses and may also receive advanced standings based on previous learning and/or experience. While transfer credit and PLAR is possible, a 25% residency requirement is necessary for all Algonquin College credentials.

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

AC Online ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is, therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.