Office Career Training

A 20-week program emphasizing computer training and office procedures to prepare individuals to work in an office setting.

NAIT, in cooperation with the Yellowhead Region Educational Consortium, will soon be offering a 20-week entry-level clerical program. The program will provide training in the skills required for employment in an office setting. In addition, successful graduates of the program have the option to apply to the post-secondary Office and Records Administration program at NAIT. To qualify for a certificate, students must successfully complete all courses in the program and perform the assigned work experience to industry standards.

Schedule Edson:
October 6, 2010 - February 11, 2011
Work Experience: February 14 - March 11, 2011
Orientation: TBA

Schedule Hinton:
January 19, 2010 - May 20, 2011
Work Experience: May 23 - June 17, 2011
Orientation: TBA

Location
YREC, Edson
YREC, Hinton

Cost
Tuition - $1725.00
Books - $1075.00 (approximately)

Financial Assistance

If you require financial assistance, please apply to Student Finance at least two months prior to the start date to allow time to process your application.

Prerequisites

  • Math 10 and English 10 (or GED)
  • Previous office experience would be an asset
  • Demonstration of basic Math and English competency
  • Applicants to the program should be aware that competency in communications, including reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are important for success in office careers.

Instruction will include:

  • Employability Skills
  • Basic Bookkeeping
  • Introduction to Microcomputers
  • Business Communications
  • Database - Access
  • Keyboarding
  • ACCPAC Simply Accounting
  • Office Procedures
  • Spreadsheets - Excel
  • Formatting - Word
  • Introduction to the Oil Patch
  • Work Experience (compulsory)

Students should be prepared to spend time on homework assignments.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
This course will focus on assisting the student in developing techniques to enhance academic and personal success. Students will gain a better understanding of themselves and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to maximize their employability and performance in the workplace.

BASIC BOOKKEEPING The student is introduced to the accounting equation and to the effect various transactions have on it. An introduction to the accounting cycle, ledge, trial balance, income statement and balance sheet is presented.

INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTERS This course covers an introduction to computer hardware, software and terminology, as well as the fundamental purposes and applications of various types of software including Windows, file management, local area networks, Internet and e-mail.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS This course requires students to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of English. It concentrates on developing skill in English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and usage rules. As well, the course will introduce the principles of business letter writing for students to apply concepts learned in composing clear, effective business correspondence and employment-related letters.

FORMATTING – WORD This course provides training in Word using an IBM-compatible computer. Emphasis will be placed on the command structure to efficiently create acceptable formats for basic letters, interoffice memorandum, reports, tables and columns.

INTRODUCTION TO THE OIL PATCH This course is offered to provide students an overview of oil patch operations. Topics include Land Survey Systems, terminology, oil field, battery and gas operations, as well as an introduction to Production Accounting.

KEYBOARDING This course introduces the student to touch keyboarding. Once the touch system is mastered, the student will practice to improve accuracy and speed skills. The students should be able to achieve an average keyboarding speed of 30 net works per minutes on five-minute straight-copy timed writings.

ACCPAC SIMPLY ACCOUNTING The student will become familiar with Simply in relation to bookkeeping and accounting. Topics include general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and inventory.

OFFICE PROCEDURES This course covers the introduction and practice of basic office procedures and skills. Some topics covered are filing, telephone/voice mail etiquette, handling mail, meeting arrangements, professionalism and reception.

SPREADSHEETS – EXCEL This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to prepare electronic spreadsheets, manipulate data, and create a variety of charts and graphs using Microsoft Excel.

DATABASE – ACCESS In this course, students will be introduced to MS Access to learn how to prepare and use database tables and queries to produce reports and forms.

WORK EXPERIENCE This component of the program is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to work in an office. The 140 hour practicum emphasizes hands-on, on-site application of office procedures, skills and knowledge learned during the 15-week theoretical portion of the program, culminating with a satisfactory job rating by the on-site supervisor.

These courses may change prior to the program commencement to insure delivery standards of the NAIT Business Development Unit.