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Olds College was founded in 1913 and has offered a Fashion Marketing program in one form or another and under different names almost since the beginning.
Now, one of Olds College’s oldest programs will be offered in the most modern of ways – online through eCampusAlberta.
“We want to expand our reach,” says Pat Bidart, Associate Vice-President. “Offering the program online gives access to people in rural and remote areas and provides flexible learning opportunities," Bidart says.
People currently working in the fashion industry will be able to work and enrol in the program to enhance their skills. It is also being offered to Chinooks Edge School Division students who can enrol in specific courses and receive dual credits – high school and college credits.
The eight-month certificate program teaches business fundamentals in the fashion industry. Students learn about visual design and merchandising, garment analysis, marketing, retail management, fashion research, as well as fashion promotions and image consulting. They also study computer applications, communications and organizational behaviour.
“The Fashion Marketing students have a high success rate in finding jobs,” says Mia MacDonald, Online Developer and Instructor. “If you were to look at Monster.ca today, you would find hundreds of jobs across Canada in the fashion retail industry at many major retailers.”
“The program provides students a quick entry into the retail industry and, with the knowledge they have, an opportunity to advance quickly through the ranks given that they have the desire and drive to do so.”
Simultaneous with the online launch will be the introduction of new design software being developed by ShirWin Knowledge & Learning Systems Inc., which allows students to design creative visual displays by “virtually” placing props, mannequins, signage and colour to simulate the display process.
“It’s a great way for students to apply and demonstrate their understanding of the theory they’ve learned,” MacDonald says. “This is a huge and exciting project for us.”
“We are looking forward to our online students in fashion marketing beginning this new and exciting program.”
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