OLDS - Olds College has partnered with the Town of Drayton Valley to provide opportunities for international students to study business management in the west central Alberta community starting this fall, officials said.
The partnership, which also includes Everest Educational Service Inc., will see Olds College instructors teaching the college’s business management certificate in Drayton to international students recruited by Everest.
The first 30 students in the program will begin classes in September. Student recruitment is already underway and will include some local students.
“We are pleased to be able to partner with the Town of Drayton Valley and Everest Educational Service to expand our program offerings,” said Dalin Bullock, dean of School of Life Science and Business, Olds College. “Our business programs provide students with foundational business concepts to prepare them for a rewarding career.”
Students who complete the certificate program are also eligible to continue studies in the business management diploma program, said Bullock.
Blayne Meek is the director of communication at Olds College. She said existing educational facilities in Drayton Valley will be used by students and instructors.
Asked if students from Olds will be travelling to Drayton, Meek said, “Students will not travel from Olds; they will live in Drayton Valley. We do not know where instructors will live, but ideally they will be in or near the community of Drayton Valley.”
The plan is to have two instructors in place to start, she said.
The program will be in place for one year and could be extended for future years, she said.
Nancy Hobbs is the mayor of Drayton Valley.
“We’re so thrilled to welcome Olds College to our community to offer the business management certificate program,” said Hobbs. “This partnership is an important part of the education model we’re building in Drayton Valley, and I know this program will appeal to a wide range of students.”
As part of the new partnership, the Town of Drayton Valley will work with Everest to provide student with housing options, transportation to and from campus, and other student services, she said.
“In addition, the Town of Drayton Valley will familiarize student with local amenities, volunteer opportunities, and assist with finding local employment opportunities,” she said.
“The town looks forward to connecting international students with other local students, community members and organizations through various social and community events to ensure newcomers enjoy a welcoming and positive experience both on and off campus.”
