Looking for Work in Calgary? Build Job-Ready Skills for Your Next Career
Finding a job can be challenging, especially if you’re entering a new field, returning to work or thinking about changing careers. Sometimes, sending out more applications isn’t enough. The right training can help you build new skills, gain practical experience and feel better prepared for your next opportunity.
At Columbia College, our employment training programs are designed to help you build practical, job-ready skills and prepare for employment. With January 2027 programs approaching, now is a great time to explore your options.
Looking for Funded Career Training?
Funding is available for eligible students in both the Accounting Assistant and Child Care Assistant programs.
If you’re unemployed or underemployed and looking to build skills for a new career, you may qualify for funded training.
Connect with Columbia College to learn about eligibility, funding and how to apply for the January 2027 intake.
Get More Than Classroom Training
Starting a new career is about more than completing a course. You want to know that what you’re learning can actually be used in the workplace. Columbia College’s employment training programs in Calgary combine practical training, career development and work experience to help prepare you for your next step.
Depending on the program, you’ll have opportunities to:
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Develop practical, job-ready skills
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Gain hands-on work experience
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Build your resume
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Prepare for interviews and your job search
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Develop skills employers are looking for
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Learn in a supportive environment
Most importantly, you won’t be preparing for employment on your own. These programs are designed to combine career-specific training with the practical experience and employment preparation needed to move forward.
Want a Career Working With Children?
Child Care Assistant
If you enjoy working with children and want a career where you can have a meaningful impact, the Child Care Assistant program can help you take your first steps into the early learning and child care field.
You’ll learn about:
- Child development
- Early learning
- Activity planning
- Health and safety
- Inclusive learning environments
- Social and emotional development
You’ll also gain practical experience through work-integrated learning in a child care setting, helping you connect what you learn with real-world experience. The program can prepare graduates to apply for Level 1 Early Childhood Educator certification through Alberta’s Child Care Staff Certification Office. Funding is available for eligible students, with the next program starting in January.
Interested in Accounting, Bookkeeping or Office Work?
Accounting Assistant
If you’re organized, comfortable working with numbers or interested in working in a business environment, Columbia College’s Accounting Assistant program can help you build the skills needed to pursue entry-level accounting and administrative opportunities.
You’ll develop practical skills in areas such as:
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- QuickBooks
- Payroll
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Financial reporting
- Business writing
The program also includes work experience, giving you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a workplace setting and add relevant experience to your resume. Funding is available for eligible students, and the next intake begins in January.
Which Employment Training Program Is Right for You?
Not sure which direction to take? Think about the type of work you can see yourself doing.
If you enjoy numbers, organization, technology and business environments, Accounting Assistant may be a good fit
If you’re interested in child development, early learning and working directly with children, Child Care Assistant may be the better path to explore.
You don’t need to have your entire career figured out before you begin. Career training can give you a practical starting point and help you build skills and experience for your next step.
Start Your Career Training This January
If you’ve been searching for job training in Calgary, considering a career change or looking for a way to build new skills for employment, this could be the right time to get started. Columbia College’s Accounting Assistant and Child Care Assistant employment training programs are funded for eligible students, helping make career training more accessible.
Don’t wait until January to start planning. Funding eligibility and the application process can take time, so we encourage prospective students to connect with Columbia College early.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Not sure which program is right for you or whether you qualify for funding? Connect with a Columbia College advisor to discuss your goals, eligibility and next steps for January.
