Compost training programs

Olds College offers both a Composting Technology Diploma and Certificate programs through its Composting Technology Centre. The average age of last year's students was 29, with some looking to further their careers and others embarking upon second careers in such fields as manure management, municipal waste management and forestry. Others are intent on making their mark as entrepreneurs. Although the college is obligated to consider local students first, those tentatively enrolled for the fall of 1997 include students from Italy and the United Kingdom.

The programs blend scientific, biological and soils instruction with communications skills, computer science, entrepreneurship, marketing, negotiation and business plan writing. A 14acre composting site at Olds College gives students experience with composting methods and equipment, from mid-scale windrow turners to in-vessel units. "The highlight of both programs is the level of hands-on work," says Tom Clark, composting project manager. Students learn from applied research with industry representatives along with campus, municipal and industry pilot programs, accessing the projects and even developing their own. One student is working on campus with institutional collection and composting trials, from source separation and diversion in the cafeteria to studying the compostability of the material, Clark explains.

Enrollment in each of the certificate and degree programs has been limited to 12 so the college can track students' job prospects and ensure they obtain employment. "We don't want to make it wide open until we know students are going into their chosen area and obtaining a high level of employment," Clark says. All those who enrolled last year obtained summer jobs and many already have offers pending graduation. "The sooner we get folks out there who are better educated and trained, the better for the whole industry," he adds.