Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Was An Enjoyable Evening,Simon and Garfunkel Tribute. Hats off to those That are behind the scenes Great Show! The Venue was SO Nice and clean way to go cleaners! So to everyone , ya gotta check The Enterainment up an coming soon!! Then its off to a l9cal eatery for a bite too eat! Shop local !

My son had an amazing experience taking the Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate. He found the instructors to be so helpful and very knowledgeable of the industry. They provided real life projects and hours of seat time to perfect techniques. He was able to get a job straight out of the course with one of the industry partners. He is very happy with his instruction and connection to industry needs. Thanks to the great instructional team and management.

The downfall with this college is that it's not flexible in the sense of living on residence and expecting students to pay the expensive meal fee of $159/weekly. The rooms look nice and cozy, but not every student wants to eat on school property and spend $159/weekly on eating in the cafeteria. Explains why a lot of students live off college property. Between tuition and books, what student can afford the weekly meal plan. Even as a single, I don't eat $159 dollars in food weekly. Seems like a money making scam!

The instructors within my program are fantastic. The education was great the last 2 years. What really ruins the experience for me at olds college is the college itself. They do not want to help students with issues, the food within the meal plan is terrible and the college itself will erase your flex dollar meal plan before the semester ends (which is stealing. A flex plan is pre loading your student ID with money that the college tells you the minimum amount you have to put on in January). I had an extra 700$ at the end which I wish I could have just loaded as you go what a waste of money. If you get class credit and want to move out early from housing you have to give 8 week notice... our term is 4 months. Do not go to olds college unless you will never have any issues or problems outside of your interaction in the classroom, because you will just get the run around. This institution just wants to take your money. I have been to 4 schools in USA and in Canada, and did a mix of on campus and off campus living, I can say by far this college is the worst ran college that I have attended.

I graduated from the equine science program in 2016 and haven’t. found. a. job. since. I think it’s a good idea, but the way the equine industry is, it just doesn’t work out well for many graduates. I don’t recommend wasting your time and money on that program. Also, the amount of chores and tasks, aka, “slave labour” that they slap on you is ridiculous. The farm equipment isn’t safe, some of the school horses are dangerous, and so on. I also took the Jockey Program and that was even worse! Those instructors are abusive and don’t care about you at all. They just want the money. They send you into dangerous situations and wipe their hands clean when you start your practicum. Their success rate of graduates in the program is proof that this program is useless and also puts students lives at risk for the minuscule amount that they “teach” and how little they are willing to help you become successful as a jockey/exercise rider. Highly recommend you stay far away from anything equine at this institution.

The campus is wonderful. Most of the instructors are great, however, the college as a whole is poorly run. Never expect your schedule is actually what it is and always have money stored away in case it turns out there's a class the registrar forgot to sign you up for.

A comprehensive review of the college from a second year turf student, finishing up the on-campus first term.THE GOOD:The instructors in my program are saints. Every instructor I have learned from has been so helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in developing my skills and knowledge base. After attending another post-secondary institution for two years prior to attending this school, I can say with confidence that the instructors in this program are among the highest quality I have interacted with. I've heard the same from students in other programs.The education is great. Not perfect, though. From my experience, the effort you put into your education determines what you take away. Some students in this program can coast, learn nothing, and pass with a good grade. Other students in this program can put a good effort into their studies, learn a bunch, and also receive a good grade. The class work is almost entirely in groups, so you may choose to let your group pick up your slack or become an effective team member. You'll still pass either way. The subjects covered are fairly comprehensive, and I think the program lays a good foundation for future learning. I believe that the education is not for everyone, it all comes down to your attitude towards your studies.The connections to industry in my program are great. For being one of just two or three turf schools in Canada, it can be expected, but I believe that I've gotten a decent amount of industry interaction.Social life is great. I'm not much of a social person, but there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with your classmates and get drunk.The gym nearby is good. A couple squat racks, a bench, several platforms, plenty of dumbbells and a machine, as well as an indoor track. Everything you need.Olds itself is a nice town. It has everything you need, and it's quiet enough for my liking. You're in the middle of Alberta, so the mountains, Edmonton, and Calgary are just a short drive away.THE BAD:Admin stinks. I haven't had many bad experiences with them myself, but I've heard so many stories from other students. I'm sure there are some stories in other reviews.The food is awful. You pay $650/month for slop. I've been waiting months to get home and start cooking for myself. All the meat is dry and everything is unseasoned. I remember staring at my plate of dry unseasoned chicken with a side of white rice and wondering why in the world am I here." There's a top-notch sushi place just a couple minute's walk away from the cafeteria if you ever find yourself in that situation. I'd say that the only redeeming qualities of the cafeteria are the once a month pulled pork sandwiches

Campus is nice but the way this place is run is corporate garbage. Instructors are nice people but other than a one in the horticulture department are horrible teachers and do now know their subject matter. If I could get my tuition back I would. Nothing like the college I transferred from. Was hoping for a great experience and to learn. Unfortunately at olds you only waste time and spend money.

Great educational environment. The staff is knowledgeable and the learning is top notch.Loads of new construction and renovation to the buildings .

You're better off burning your money, at least you will get some warmth from that.The instructors and staff are all great people however.The prices are ridiculous, especially considering the career opportunities that are available from most of the programs they offer.1/3 of my term wasn't delivered due to COVID"Asked for some money back