Applied Business Technology

Office skills training

Why study Applied Business Technology?
Why earn my Applied Business Techonology certificate at UFV?
What type of career can I expect?
What type of office skills courses will I take?
What do I need to get in?
Where will my classes be delivered?
I'm interested. What's the next step?
How much will it cost? Can I afford to take this program?
When should I apply?
I'm not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?

Why study Applied Business Technology?

If you're just entering the workforce, having a solid set of office skills can be the ticket to get you in the door and started on your first career. You may already even have a degree or diploma but want to add some hands-on office skills to your portfolio. Enroll in UFV’s Applied Business Technology program today and you’ll be ready to start your new career as an office professional in as little as six months.

If you've been working in an office environment for some time, you may be finding it difficult to keep up with the many changes taking place in office technology. New computer programs require more training and keeping your office skills up-to-date can be a challenge. It’s never too late to update and improve your office skills.

Apply anytime and start the program in either September or January.

  

Why earn my Applied Business Technology certificate at UFV?
‌Today’s office professionals need to be computer-savvy in a number of programs and UFV’s Applied Business Technology program will make sure you are ready for employment upon graduation. Our six-month program will teach you up-to-date office skills in word processing, keyboarding, spreadsheets, database management, and bookkeeping. Business communications and office procedures courses will enable you to develop the soft skills necessary for success in today’s offices. The three-week practicum at the end of the program will give you an opportunity to apply your skills in an office environment before you graduate. UFV’s ABT program has a solid reputation for teaching office procedures along with the latest software, so you’re job ready.

ABT training also prepares you for programs such as medical or dental office assistant, legal administrative assistant, business administration or computer information systems. Offices in business, government, and industry offer many opportunities for employment. The growth of industry in the Fraser Valley has resulted in a continuing demand for well-trained employees. In fact, employers actively seek our graduates. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Get the UFV advantage with:

• 21 weeks in class, plus a 3-week practicum
• Experienced, skilled instructors
• Emphasis on business production standards
• Microsoft Office 2010
• Strong job-placement rates

What type of career can I expect?
Once you have completed the six-month program, you will have the business, computer, and office skills necessary to be successful in any office environment. Offices in business, government, and industry offer many opportunities for employment. The rapid growth of industry in the Fraser Valley has resulted in a continuing demand for well-trained employees.

Many of our graduates use the skills gained from the program to successfully complete further education. Our graduates are in high demand and employers often ask specifically for UFV grads.

  
What type of courses will I take?
‌Here is an outline of the ABT certificate program:

• ABT 110 Database Management: Access
• ABT 111 Office Procedures
• ABT 131 Keyboarding
• ABT 133 Word Processing: Word
• ABT 135 Business English and Communications
• ABT 137 Spreadsheets: Excel
• ABT 143 Bookkeeping
• ABT 187 Work Experience

After completing the Applied Business Technology certificate, you will have the option of enhancing your office skills and marketability by completing an additional 10-week Word Processing or Bookkeeping speciality certificate.

What do I need to get in?
You will need your B.C. secondary school graduation and successful completion of the Applied Business Technology assessment. Mature applicants (23 years of age or older) without high school graduation may be admitted on the basis of the assessment alone.

It is expected that you have a minimum keyboarding speed of 20 net words per minute before you start the program. You will also be required to meet the English language proficiency requirements.

This is a rigorous, full-time program and you need to be physically, emotionally, and financially prepared to meet the challenges.

Where will my classes be delivered?
All ABT courses are offered at UFV’s Clearbrook Centre located at 32355 Veterans Way in Abbotsford.

  

I’m interested. What’s the next step?
‌Check out the UFV online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar where you can also download an application form or apply online. You can submit your application, along with the required documents and application fee, to the Office of the Registrar at any campus or centre or via the internet at www.pas.bc.ca

Your application will be logged according to the date it is submitted. You will then be contacted by the admissions clerk at the Office of the Registrar regarding a date for the next information and assessment session.

How much will it cost? Can I afford to take this program?
It’s best to check out the Fees and Other Costs section of our online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar for up-to-date costs. The program fees are currently set at $6,716.68, but keep in mind that fees may change. Books, additional supplies, and graduation costs $1,100.00 or more.

You should also visit UFV’s Financial Aid and Awards office, for information about the $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships awarded to UFV students annually. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget

  

When should I apply?
‌Apply at any time. There are two intakes each year and you can start the program in either September or January.

I’m not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?
Absolutely. We want to hear from you! You can contact Christine Nehring, Department Head, at 604-504-7441, loc. 4731 in the Abbotsford area, or 604-792-0025, local 4731, from Chilliwack.

If you’re unsure of your direction, or want more information about other course offerings at UFV, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441 to arrange a tour, attend a Becoming a Student info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling.