Trades Entrepreneurship
This fully online College certificate program, designed specifically for qualified tradespersons, provides individuals the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial competencies and skills.
- Develop essential practical skills needed to improve existing and develop new small businesses
- 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
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 entrepreneurial competencies and skills. Small businesses continue to show growth in today's economy providing tradespeople possessing a combination of trade and business knowledge opportunities in this growth area. Within the program, focus is on key functional areas of business related to entrepreneurship including business planning, operations, innovation, marketing and finance as well as legal and ethical considerations. Through experiential learning, students develop essential practical skills needed to improve existing and develop new 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 an entrepreneurial spirit and comfortable with risk.
- Are hardworking and motivated.
- Are confident in an online learning environment.
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 | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKT2020 | 42.0 | Marketing a Trades Business | |
| FIN2010 | 42.0 | Financial Processes in the Trades | |
| BUS2020 | 42.0 | Business Planning for Tradespersons | |
| MGT2050 | 42.0 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the Trades | |
| BUS2010 | 45.0 | Emerging Trends and Innovation in Trades | |
| MGT2060 | 45.0 | Operating a Trades Business | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MKT2020 Marketing 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.
FIN2010 Financial 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.
BUS2020 Business 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.
Pre-requisites: FIN2010 AND MGT2060 AND MKT2020
MGT2050 Ethical 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.
BUS2010 Emerging Trends and Innovation in Trades
Successful businesses not only respond to their current customer needs, but often anticipate future trends and use innovation to develop new ideas, products or services. The future of skilled trades will be shaped by emerging trends such as sustainability, new entrants to the skilled trades and applied research and development as well as skills shortages driven by demographics and economic factors. Leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades need to develop the capacity to leverage these trends and other changes that may arise in the future. Students develop the skills to be future leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades along with the ability to analyze and manage emerging trends and nurture a culture of innovation within their fields.
MGT2060 Operating 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.
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, trades managers as well as trades operator.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and present a business plan to establish or grow a small business.
- Perform work in compliance with legislation, regulations and guidelines as well as legal and ethical standards.
- Develop a marketing plan to begin or advance a business.
- Respond to the evolving market needs by developing innovative or modified products, concepts, goods and services.
- 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 $150 over the program duration. 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.