Food Service Careers

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A group of culinary students in white chef uniforms and hats is closely observing a chef who is demonstrating knife skills in a kitchen setting.

In this page

Overview

Gain skills and knowledge to work in the food service industry through practical experience in community-based work settings. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.

This program is only open for domestic students(Canadian/Permanent Residents). If you’re interested in as an international students, please visit aaaa.vcc.ca

Tuition N/A
Credential Certificate
Length Food Service Careers is a full-time certificate program, thirty-eight (38) weeks in length, which consist of twenty-six (26) weeks of classroom/kitchen/industry orientation and training, and twelve (12) weeks of workplace experience placement.
Hours
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates Sep

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

Applicants will be asked to sign a release of information so documentation can be provided to faculty to support the application. The Food Service Careers Program provides a supportive environment in which students receive skills training and knowledge in preparation for entry level positions in the food service industry. The program begins with an orientation and introduction to basic job readiness skills, industry orientation, Worker Safety, FOODSAFE™, kitchen awareness, and use of kitchen knives. Students progress from kitchen basics to food preparation and cooking skills. Classroom/kitchen learning components then alternate with three supervised workplace experience placements, four (4) weeks in length, which progressively increase in variety and complexity of tasks. Instruction is delivered for certification in FOODSAFE Level 1™ and Serving It Right™ Experiential learning and ongoing practice of skills occur throughout the program, on campus, in the teaching kitchen/classroom, during industry tours, as well as during the work experience placements in the food service Industry. The twelve (12) weeks of work experience placement allow students to benefit from a realistic and practical exposure to the workplace. Food Service Careers program faculty work closely with students to determine strengths and abilities when choosing work experience sites. Faculty also provide ongoing support to the student during work experience placements. Between work experience placements, students return to the college. Program faculty review the student’s work experience performance, re-teach, and reinforce skills or areas requiring attention. New learning continues in the classroom/teaching kitchen in preparation for the next placement. Students participate in two formal planning meetings and an exit interview with program faculty. The planning meetings assist students to identify strengths, areas of improvement, and goals, as well as suggest strategies for success. The exit interview reviews student success, expectations, and outcomes. A student’s attendance at the planning meeting is mandatory, and the student may choose to invite family and/or support persons to attend in their meeting.

What you will learn

  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner in the workplace, consistent with industry standards.
  • Apply FOODSAFE and worker safety principles consistently when working in a food service workplace.
  • Perform bussing and dish-washing duties in an independent and reliable manner.
  • Employ the appropriate communication skills in peer and supervisor interactions.
  • Interact with customers and co-workers in a polite and professional manner.
  • Apply basic set-up and kitchen organizational skills to meet the demands of a professional kitchen situation.
  • Apply basic knowledge of kitchen equipment and procedures in a professional kitchen.
  • Prepare and cook a variety of cold and hot food service items.
  • Identify and differentiate between a wide variety of workplace opportunities in the food service industry.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

Food Service Careers is a full-time certificate program, thirty-eight (38) weeks in length, which consist of twenty-six (26) weeks of classroom/kitchen/industry orientation and training, and twelve (12) weeks of workplace experience placement.

Job prospectives

STATIC CONTENT

  • Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
  • Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
  • Dental Materials Sales Representative
  • Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
  • CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
  • Dental Laboratory Manager
  • Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

  • Diagnosis or history that identifies difficulty with learning
  • An interview with a Food Service Careers instructor that will include:
    • A hands-on assessment in the teaching kitchen
    • A 15-minute reading assessment to determine functional reading level
Upon Acceptance 
  • Students in this program may be required to complete a CRC prior to their work experience placement. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. work experiences) or graduate.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

  • Ability to work in a demanding and busy work environment under stress or pressure
  • Ability to work flexible hours (for example, early morning, late evenings and weekend shifts
  • Ability to operate independently in the community without supervision, including ability to travel independently
  • Comfortable in various learning environments, including classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences
  • Classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences requires a level of stamina, strength and endurance for participation

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee $36
Tuition $1,981
Student union $73
College initiative $115
Materials not including textbooks
Campus resource $80
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $423 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $3,015

Books & Supplies

  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Application Process

Are you interested in this program?
  1. Sign up for an information session to learn about our Accessible Education and Training programs.
  2. After you have attended the information session, apply on EducationPlanner BC. You will need to know which program you would like to attend.
  3. After you apply, you will be contacted for an interview with an instructor. The instructor will help you determine the best option for you. Note: Applying does not guarantee you a seat in the course or program.
For more information or support with your application please contact easd@vcc.ca.

Contact us

STATIC CONTENT

Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca

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Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.