blue_seal_logo-0.pngThe Blue Seal Program was established by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry training Board to encourage and recognize business training.  If you are a certified Alberta journeyman in a designated trade or occupation, earning a Blue Seal proves that you not only meet Alberta's high industry standards, but you also have the drive to develop your business skills and succeed in business. Tradespeople who complete the Blue Seal program may move into leadership, supervisory, entrepreneurial and other roles.

If you have a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, Alberta Occupational Certificate or a valid recognized trade certificate you are eligible to apply for a Blue Seal Certificate.

The Blue Seal Certificate demonstrates you have demonstrates reasonable effort in the study of business, and possess a respectable amount of knowledge of one or more business topics.  There are 18 business subject areas you may study.

 

2023-2024 Blue Seal Certification Courses

Credit Courses (A - F)

View available credit courses

Accounting

ACC1125 – Service Based Accounting - 45 hours

This course is only offered in the winter semester.

An overview of basic accounting concepts for service-based businesses and organizations. Includes theoretical concepts and exposure to an integrated accounting software package for all aspects of the accounting cycle.

ACC1146 – Bookkeeping - 45 hours

This course is only offered in the fall semester.

An introduction to bookkeeping. Emphasis is on using accepted accounting principles to complete procedures and statements required for the basic accounting cycle for service businesses and organizations. Includes special journals, bank reconciliation, payroll, petty cash, GST and PST.

ACC1170 – Financial Accounting I - 45 hours

An introduction to fundamental accounting principles and concepts, the accounting cycle, worksheet preparation, accounting for sales and purchases of merchandise, cash control procedures, and valuation of receivables and inventories. Other topics include financial statement preparation and payroll. Emphasis on integrating basic accounting concepts with practice for sole proprietorships.

ACC1175 – Financial Accounting II - 45 hours

Prerequisite ACC1170

Accounting principles and practice related to partnerships and corporations. Includes accounting for capital and intangible assets, natural resources, and current and long-term liabilities. Analysis and interpretation of financial statements and budgeting are also featured.

ACC2250 – Management Accounting I - 60 hours

Prerequisite ACC1175

A study of concepts of management accounting, including accounting for planning and control. Includes manufacturing statements; cost-volume-profit relationships; job order and process costing; actual, normal, and standard cost systems; flexible budgets; inventory planning, control, and costing; and accounting for payroll.

ACC2251 – Management Accounting II - 60 hours

Prerequisites ACC1175

An in-depth coverage of profit planning, cost allocations, joint and by-product costing, inventory planning, as well as relevant costs and the contribution approach. Includes analysis of accounting systems, internal control, performance measurement, variance and analysis, and absorption versus variable costing statements.

 

Administration

BUS1124 – Service-Based Small Business Management - 45 hours

An introduction to the organization and operation of a small business. Focus is on development of a local business plan which includes feasibility, marketing, finance, and operations components. Students will be guided through lectures, video cases, and presentations from local business leaders. Not available for supplemental.

BUS1166 – Business Law - 45 hours

Extensive coverage of how law governs and facilitates business enterprise. Provides an overview of key areas fundamental to business operation, including contracts, torts, bailment, insurance, agency, employment, land transfers, tenancy, mortgage, partnership and corporate law.

BUS1170 – Introduction to Management - 45 hours

The exploration of the four basic components of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Includes theoretical background as well as practical application through case study analysis.

 

Business Mathematics

TAX2251 – Taxation - 60 hours

Prerequisite ACC1170

An examination of income taxation in Canada for individuals, the self-employed and corporations. Extensive coverage of Canada Revenue Agency regulations, the Income Tax Act, and problems associated with taxes payable by various types of business entities. Includes completion of federal and provincial income tax returns covering all types of income, deductions and tax credits. Other topics include distinguishing between types of income and reconciling business net income for tax purposes.

 

Communications

COM1162 – Interpersonal Relationships and Communications - 45 hours

This course is designed to improve students’ self-concepts and provide them with the skills to successfully relate with others on a personal, social and business basis. Designed for personal growth and attitude change, this course provides opportunities to develop communication skills, recognition and understanding of self-concept, skills in enhancing interpersonal relationships, procedures for goal setting and techniques for
decision-making.

 

Economics

ECN1180 – Microeconomics - 45 hours

The study of the decisions made by individual households, firms, and industries in the production and consumption of goods and services. Includes comprehensive coverage of factors that impact and are impacted by supply and demand.

BUS2275 – International Business - 45 hours

Prerequisite either ECN1180 or BUS1170

An intensive orientation to international business and economic and financial tools, enabling students to analyze and understand international business events. Includes opportunities to apply analytical tools in cases and projects.

 

Entrepreneurship

BUS1177 – Entrepreneurship - 45 hours

An interactive exploration of the concept of entrepreneurship and assessing one’s suitability and capacity for it. Involves learning to differentiate between mere ideas and true entrepreneurial opportunities. Includes assessing the implementation of entrepreneurial endeavor and an exploration of the issues relating to new business start-up.

 

Finance

BUS2292 – Business Finance - 60 hours

Prerequisite ACC1175

Exposure to essential business finance topics including time value of money; bond and dividend valuation; and analysis of cash flows influencing capital budgeting and leasing decisions. Topics are examined with regard to risk and include an international perspective.

Credit Courses (H - Z)

View available credit courses

Human Resource Management

BUS2298 – Human Resource Management - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1170

A comprehensive study of techniques and activities utilized in acquiring, developing and maintaining a highly effective workforce. Topics include designing and analyzing jobs; human resource planning; recruitment and selection; orientation and training; career development; performance appraisal; financial compensation; employee benefits and services; and occupational health and safety. Topics are discussed in light of various
environmental challenges such as government policies, demographic trends, and organizational trends. Includes theoretical and applied exposure.

 

Industrial Relations

BUS2278 – Industrial & Labour Relations - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1166

A skills-based approach to managing unionized workplaces and those faced with certification applications. Includes the structure and functioning of the Canadian industrial relations system, basic employment law concepts, the union certification process, negotiation and administration of collective agreements, and resolution of strikes and disputes.

 

Management

BUS1170 – Introduction to Management - 45 hours

The exploration of the four basic components of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Includes theoretical background as well as practical application through case study analysis.

BUS1124 – Service-Based Small Business Management - 45 hours

An introduction to the organization and operation of a small business. Focus is on development of a local business plan which includes feasibility, marketing, finance, and operations components. Students will be guided through lectures, video cases, and presentations from local business leaders.

BUS2285 – Advanced Small Business Management - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1177, MKT1188 and ACC1170

Exploration of the tools of a small business manager including evaluation and organization of business expansion by buying an existing business or franchising. Covers decision-making re finances, marketing, taxes, operations, human resources, growth, and business transfer.

 

Marketing

MKT1188 – Introduction to Marketing - 45 hours

An intensive orientation to all aspects of marketing including management’s role in market research, understanding consumer behavior, targeting, planning and developing products. Includes decision making regarding pricing strategies, appropriate communication methods and tools, and logistics and distribution channels. Case studies are used to provide the context of actual businesses and to analyze problems and concepts regarding all aspects of marketing.

BUS2293 – Advanced Marketing Strategies - 75 hours

Prerequisite MKT1188

The analysis of the inter-relationship between strategy, tactics and other aspects of planning, organizing and controlling for marketing and management. A theoretical approach is used to supplement application of marketing management to case studies and decision-making activities. Includes many of the elements covered throughout other marketing courses, integrating them in the analysis and creation of marketing strategies.

 

Project Management

BUS2288 – Project Management - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1170, ENG1150 or ENG1159

A skills-based overview of project management. Integrates knowledge areas of scope, schedule, cost, resource, communication, quality, risk and procurement into management process groups of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Not available for supplemental.

CPU1165 – Business Computer Applications II - 45 hours

A skills-based approach to using spreadsheet applications to solve common business problems. Includes macros and spreadsheet integration with other software programs.

 

Organizational Behaviour

BUS2268 – Organizational Behaviour - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1170

A comprehensive analysis of human behaviour in organizations. Topics include motivation and individual behaviour; stress and its management; perception and personality; and emotions and values. Includes communication; leadership; power; decision-making; inter- and intra-group dynamics; conflict; and change. In addition to theoretical coverage, students will have opportunities to develop analytical and decision-making skills through case study analysis, simulation exercises, and research projects.

 

Supervision

BUS2298 – Human Resource Management - 45 hours

Prerequisite BUS1170

A comprehensive study of techniques and activities utilized in acquiring, developing and maintaining a highly effective workforce. Topics include designing and analyzing jobs; human resource planning; recruitment and selection; orientation and training; career development; performance appraisal; financial compensation; employee benefits and services; and occupational health and safety. Topics are discussed in light of various environmental challenges such as government policies, demographic trends, and organizational trends. Includes theoretical and applied exposure.

Non-Credit Courses

View available non-credit courses

*Please note:  Not all non-credit courses on this list may be offered at this time.                

Basics of Supervising - 12 hours

This course presents the fundamentals of effective supervision: leading, communicating, and getting results. In this course you will learn how to set priorities, communicate effectively, manage your time and stress, and many other essential skills. Learn how to change your leadership style to suit the task and people you are communicating with, as well as give praise or constructive feedback.

Intro to Coaching and Developing Your Team - 7 hours

Coaching is based on a partnership that involves giving both support and challenging opportunities to employees. Mentorship is a related skill that is often a part of coaching. It’s about being a guide, offering wisdom and advice when it is needed.

Communication Strategies - 12 hours

Communication context is extremely complex in the workplaces today, challenging managers to “think before they speak” like never before.   A comprehensive understanding of the organizational, team, and individual barriers that impede communication is imperative to running a successful organization with motivated and productive employees.

Diversity in the Workplace - 7 hours

Ensuring proper and respectful communication, along with adequately expressing desired results and attitudes is important to your business.  Awareness of cultural, social, and ethical behaviors that affect work, along with pre-conceived notions regarding performance and outcomes will render this course immediately applicable, and establish a solid foundation upon which to build your workforce.

Emotional Intelligence - 7 hours

Emotional intelligence, also called EQ, is the ability to be aware of and to manage emotions and relationships. It’s a pivotal factor in personal and professional success. IQ will get you in the door, but it is your EQ, your ability to connect with others and manage the emotions of yourself and others, that will determine how successful you are in life.

Mastering Difficult Conversations - 7 hours

The ability to surface interpersonal and team conflicts quickly and settle them effectively is necessary to improve efficiency and productivity levels. As a supervisor, you must be confident and efficient at addressing and moderating conflict.

Performance Management - 7 hours

Understand the importance of inspiration, create an action plan to inspire staff and have the skills to document staff goals for future development.

Personal and Virtual Communication - 12 hours

This online-only class will help you define self-leadership, understand emotional intelligence and interact effectively in face-to-face and virtual environments.

Preventing Workplace Harassment - 7 hours

Discover how to be more proactive in preventing harassment, what sorts of policies should be in place, what you can do to protect your employees and what to do if a complaint is filed.

Professional Bookkeeping - 36 hours

Professional Bookkeeping is a thorough overview of basic bookkeeping emphasizing generally accepted accounting (GAAP) principles in completing procedures and statements required for the standard accounting cycle.

Public Speaking and Presentation Skills - 14 hours

Learn tips, tricks, and techniques for overcoming your public speaking anxiety as well as learn how to create an exceptional presentation.

Social Media for Business - 12 hours

This intensive course designed to provide a broad and comprehensive introduction to online marketing and advertising techniques across web, search, social, mobile and email.

Time and Stress Management - 7 hours

Time Management is a program designed to teach you valuable skills to master your time for peak productivity while accomplishing the important things that matter.

Mental Health Awareness - 3 hours

Mental Health Awareness Workshop is designed to address and promote mental health and reduce the stigma of metal illness in a workplace setting. Offered as a 3-hour workshop focuses on dispelling the myths of mental health problems, teaching participants to recognize signs and indicators of one’s own mental health and to practice effective coping strategies to build resilience.

Professionalism in the Workplace - 7 hours

The focus of this course is to provide you with a resources to help you better understand how you can positively and intentionally contribute to your workplace culture.

Outcomes

  • Distinguish the difference between professionalism, civility, and respect
  • Examine root causes of incivility and how to nurture civility
  • Understand how you can be accountable for a positive workplace culture
  • Develop a higher awareness of bias and how to create a more inclusive atmosphere
  • Examine communication skill set"

 

To register for courses call (403) 320-3288 or email blueseal@lethbridgecollege.ca.

 

How to Apply

Step 1

Apply to Lethbridge College online for the Open Studies program. If you are already taking a program at the college, then you do not need to apply as an Open Studies student.

Lethbridge College staff can contact HR for the application fee waiver, and they will receive further application instructions from HR.

Register for the classes you want to take by calling (403) 320-3288 or emailing blueseal@lethbridgecollege.ca.

Step 2

Complete a program of study approved by the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, or

Complete 150 hours of study in one or more of the subject areas provided by an approved training provider, and

Have an Alberta Student Number (ASN) is required to apply for programs and services. To find or obtain an ASN, visit the Alberta Education website.

Step 3

Pay the $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

Submit official transcripts and supporting documentation during the application process.

Complete and submit the online Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Application.

Request letter from Registration & Records - Credit courses

This is only required for credit courses, completed through the Open Studies option. Confirmation for courses completed through LC Extension will need be acquired from their office.

In order for AIT to award the total hours you have earned from each credit course that you have completed successfully for your Blue Seal, you will need to request a letter from the Registration Office at Lethbridge College to accompany your transcripts before applying.

You can request this letter by emailing records@lethbridgecollege.ca.
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to let them know which courses you are using for your Blue Seal with the Course Codes (i.e., BUS1177).

The information you need to provide in the email is:

  • Your name and student ID number,
  • Which courses you are using (that you have successfully completed at Lethbridge College) for your Blue Seal with the Course Codes (i.e., BUS1177). These can be found on your transcript.
  • Phone number so they can reach you with any questions they may have.