Trades Management
This fully online College certificate program, designed specifically for qualified tradespersons, provides individuals the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the area of business management.
- Develop skills and knowledge in the area of practical business management in the trades
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
Graduates of this program may find employment opportunities in numerous areas. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the fastest growing sector of the economy, internationally and locally. Graduates would be well positioned to manage a small to medium-sized trades-related business, to start their own trades-related business or use their newly developed skills and knowledge to improve their existing business. Employment may also be obtained in both the private and public sectors where strong leadership and management skills and the ability to adapt to change are required.
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years....(read more)
Overview
This fully online College certificate program, designed specifically for qualified tradespersons, provides individuals the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the area of business management. Students examine functional areas of business related to marketing, finance, human resources, operations, planning as well as legal and ethical considerations. Through experiential learning, students develop essential practical skills needed to provide management within small businesses.
Graduates of this program may find employment opportunities in numerous areas. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the fastest growing sector of the economy, internationally and locally. Graduates would be well positioned to manage a small to medium-sized trades-related business, to start their own trades-related business or use their newly developed skills and knowledge to improve their existing business. Employment may also be obtained in both the private and public sectors where strong leadership and management skills and the ability to adapt to change are required.
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Have strong decision-making and organizational skills.
- Are hardworking and motivated to take action.
- Have the ability to see the "big picture" of the trades-related business.
- Appreciate having tangible results from their work.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online ![]() |
Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Summer |
---|---|---|---|
MKT2020 | 42.0 | Marketing a Trades BusinessMarketing a Trades Business Business owners in trades, such as plumbing, automotive service, heating and cooling repair, electrical contracting and carpentry have a difficult task in marketing their business. This course provides a brief overview of selected marketing theory before engaging participants directly in practical exercises on how to improve a trades business though proven marketing strategies. Students learn how service marketing in a trades business differs from traditional product marketing, and the enormous impact that the individual's personal brand has on the company. Through a self-analysis exercise and a competitive analysis, students determine where they fit in the market. The importance of networking and referrals are emphasized. Students also consider various messaging and media options that resonate best with trades customers. Finally, students consider their specific trade to create a streamlined plan of action to promote their services. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
FIN2010 | 42.0 | Financial Processes in the TradesFinancial Processes in the Trades This finance course is unique in that it provides a financial toolkit specifically designed with the entrepreneurial Journeyperson in mind. It is rich with common business taxation dilemmas faced by those operating their own businesses or for those serving in a managerial role. Although the focus is on practicality of use, the goal is for the Journeyperson to acknowledge and embrace the usefulness of the learning. Comprehending the logic behind appropriate project pricing and time to completion charting can be the difference between profit and loss. This course also introduces the simplicities of an IPO and the complexities of the risk and return correlation. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
MGT2381 | 42.0 | Human Resources Management | ![]() |
MGT2060 | 42.0 | Operating a Trades BusinessOperating a Trades Business Students are introduced to general considerations, and unique facets in the operation of a trades business. Using a business simulation scenario, students will go through all the stages of operating and maintaining a trades based business. Topics to be covered include planning, research, legal considerations, and day to day operation. Issues related directly to trades businesses will be the focus throughout the course. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
BUS2020 | 42.0 | Business Planning for TradespersonsBusiness Planning for Tradespersons Approximately ninety percent of all jobs in Canada are created by small and medium businesses and many of these businesses are in the skilled trades. An ever-growing demand for skilled trades results in great market opportunities for tradespersons. One of the important skills' gaps identified amongst tradespersons is the lack of business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. Business Planning for Tradespersons focuses on the tradesperson as an entrepreneur, guiding students through the steps of researching and developing a business plan at a level that is ready to implement. With the help of case studies, online collaborative tools, and design thinking methodology, students examine the steps and methods for developing a complete business plan, including marketing, operational and financial components in addition to evaluating the viability of business ideas. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
MGT2050 | 42.0 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the TradesEthical and Legal Issues in the Trades Operating a trades business involves many legal and ethical issues. Students gain a foundation for understanding and improving their ethical position as a trades business owner, including how to make tough yet ethical choices within the pressures of competition. Using current events, case studies, and discussions; students explore their personal integrity threshold, and determine the impact of their decisions on business results. Students further examine legal consideration in the operation of a trades business such as legislative, contractual and municipal obligation. Selected case studies from the trades are used throughout this course. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
Careers & Pathways
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Plan and implement strategies for long and short-term operational success of a small enterprise.
- Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools to contribute to a positive business environment.
- Record and interpret financial information to effectively manage a small business.
- Improve business operations through the use of technologies, systems and applications.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $220 over the duration of the program. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College of Trades Certificate of Qualification or equivalent.
- The following requirement is recommended to ensure success in the program: English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
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).
Contact
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.