Olds, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is partnering with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) to help modernize vocational training in Mongolia, with a focus on agriculture and other priority industries.

In May, Olds College delegates travelled to Mongolia for two weeks to begin work on SkillShift-01, a project aimed at improving job training in key industries. The colleges are working with Colleges and Institutes Canada and Mongolia’s Ministry of Education on the initiative, which focuses on areas including agriculture, meat and dairy processing, renewable energy, crop agriculture, farm equipment and veterinary technology.

Olds College and CNA will form a consortium to co-develop curriculum and assessments, strengthen quality assurance and prepare Mongolia’s vocational training system for a broader national rollout.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with other strong institutions from across the globe and be involved in such an impactful initiative,” Chris Wharton, Olds College’s director of industry training and continuing education, said in a release.

The first phase of the project is set to begin this fall, with Canadian and Mongolian teams establishing shared goals, reviewing regulations and assessing existing training standards.

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The project is intended to help update classroom training and support educators in agriculture, food production and renewable energy.

Olds College says the work will help prepare a workforce capable of supporting local business growth, food security and sustainable development.

“SkillShift-01 is an opportunity to share Canadian expertise while learning from the experience, knowledge and priorities of our Mongolian partners,” said Elizabeth Vincent, Associate Vice-President, International, at CNA. “By working together to strengthen vocational education and training, we can help create programs that are responsive to the needs of learners, employers and communities.”

Olds College vice-president Peter Mal said the partnership expands the college’s international reach while strengthening its role in global workforce development.

CNA has 17 campuses and serves nearly 8,000 students annually across Atlantic Canada.