Assiniboine and Olds sign partnership to better support Prairie labour market needs in agriculture

Assiniboine Community College and Olds College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work cooperatively and collaborate to enhance agricultural and environmental programming to better meet the labour market needs of the Prairies.

Both colleges are well known for agricultural programming in their respective provinces and have long delivered ag programs that are reflective of labour market needs. The MOU will support an expanded ability for the colleges’ to work together in a more official capacity.

“Assiniboine strives to provide program leadership in the agriculture field,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine Community College. “A partnership with Olds College will facilitate a dialogue amongst colleagues in both provinces, which face similar challenges with projected labour market gaps.”

The agreement will encourage sharing of curriculum assets and program information between the two colleges. Both institutions will examine ways they can best use and share their resources to serve learners, industry employers and commodity organizations while partnering to support economic growth opportunities.

“Olds College is known for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “We look forward to our partnership with Assiniboine Community College and working together to support the agriculture industry.”

Another important aspect of the signed partnership will have both parties explore opportunities that will allow students to move between the two institutions and their programs.

The MOU commenced upon signing on March 5, 2020 and will continue until June 30, 2025.