This certificate program provides training in essential business communication, computer and administrative skills in the field of office administration. In addition to job related classroom and lab activities, students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a variety of office environments through volunteer experiences, guest speakers, field trips and a six-week work practicum. Students learn to organize information systems; plan finances; develop promotional materials; produce reports, charts, graphs, databases and presentations; and participate in team projects that simulate practical business applications.
The ABT graduation success rate is extremely high due to the supportive and community-like environment, smaller class sizes, and individual tutoring. The majority of graduates are successful in gaining and keeping employment as administrative assistants in government, private and Aboriginal organizations.
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Entrance Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum "C" grade in English 12
- Minimum "C" grade in Math 11
- Typing test with a minimum of 15 words per minute
or Mature Applicant Requirements:
- Over 21 years of age or older at the date of application
- Has not completed Grade 12 Diploma nor Equivalent
- Minimum 1 year related work experience
- Typing test with a minimum of 15 words per minute
- Complete a Learning Assessment Test (Please contact Admissions for further information on this requirement)
A Criminal Record Check may be required for the practicum
Semesters
Fall Semester
- ABT 110 Keyboarding
- ABT 120 Microsoft Word I
- ABT 130 Computer Applications I
- ABT 140 Business English
- ABT 150 Human Relations for Office Personnel
- ABT 220 Microsoft Word II
- ABT 230 Computer Applications II
- ABT 240 Business Communications
- ABT 250 Administrative Procedures
- ABT 260 Reports and Presentations
- ABT 280 Job Search Techniques
- ABT 270 Office Practicum
Course Descriptions
ABT 110
Computer Keyboarding
This course accommodates both the beginner typist and those with some previous typing experience. Lessons progress from the basics of the home row, alphabetic, numeric and symbol keys to revising and formatting documents, and interpreting proof-reader’s marks. Daily drilling exercises and timings for speed assist students in developing accurate keyboarding skills to a required speed of 25 words per minute.
Word Level I is designed to teach the setup, format and organization of letters, memos, tables, and flyers. Students learn to manage files, and use text and graphic formatting, indents, borders, clip art, word art, spellchecker and the thesaurus.
ABT 130
Computer Applications I
During this “hands-on” computer training, students will develop a basic working knowledge of computer operations and software. Learners are introduced to the basics of computer theory, file management, computer troubleshooting, and use of the Internet and e-mail. In Microsoft Excel, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of spreadsheet design and construction as a tool to solve business problems. PowerPoint topics will include creating slide presentations and designing flyers.
This course progresses from developing effective strategies in business communication and understanding communication barriers to editing documents for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and style. Students will learn to express themselves clearly and confidently both verbally and in writing.
ABT 150
Interpersonal Office Relations
Students will have opportunities to develop interpersonal skills that contribute to developing a professional image and learning to be effective communicators - as individuals and within team environments. Learners will assess their human relations strengths and weaknesses, consider how they relate to others, and practice strategies for effective decision-making, and dealing with conflict and change.
This course is designed to give the learner the skill needed to create letters, labels, tables, memos, minutes, invitations, forms, business cards, newsletters, flyers, merged letters and more. Students will use most of the advanced features of this popular business program, and are encouraged to use creativity to produce business documents that conform to current industry formatting and grammar standards.
ABT 230
Computer Applications II
Students will develop proficiency in the most popular business applications and operating system (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Windows), and will learn to select and apply appropriate software for business related tasks, manage a computer filing system and use system tools to customize settings and prevent potential malfunctions. A major focus of the course is to achieve business standards for efficiency and quality of work.
ABT 240
Business Communications
This course focuses on composing messages, e-mail, press releases, memos, letters and short reports, that use professional vocabulary clear, unified and coherent paragraphs and are free from errors in spelling, grammar, and style. Students will compare the techniques for writing favourable, disappointing, and persuasive letters and write letters of request, acknowledgement, response, thank you, complaint, refusal, and collection.
ABT 250
Administrative Procedures
This course addresses the role and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant in the modern business office. Topics include mail procedures, records management, travel arrangements, conference organization, facilitating meetings, and working in teams. Using Internet Explorer students will navigate the Web to locate, select, evaluate and organize information using appropriate resources.
ABT 260
Reports and Presentations
This course will provide learners with the skills to gather, organize and summarize research information using appropriate resources to produce complete reports. Formatting includes headers, footers, graphics, footnotes, tables of contents, indices and bibliographies as well as section styles, incorporating the elements of good writing. Students develop confidence delivering oral presentations, accompanied by overheads and effective PowerPoint slides and career planning.
ABT 270
ABT Office Practicum
Students will be placed in a work practicum at two office sites for a total of six-weeks of work experience. This networking opportunity is designed to provide practical experience in technical and administrative support, and referrals for potential employment. Successful completion of all courses and consistent attendance is a pre-requisite for these placements. On completion of the practicum students will return for debriefing and job search assistance.
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of all courses.
ABT 280
Job Search Techniques
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the employment strategies needed for securing and keeping employment. Students will prepare a professional portfolio, research employment opportunities, prepare and apply for jobs, undertake a job interview and evaluate their own performance in the job application process. During this course, the student will find a practicum placement.
