Food Service Careers

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

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.

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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.

Tuition	$1,981
Credential	Certificate
Length	38 weeks
Hours	Full-time
Delivery	Class-based
Campus	Downtown
Start Dates

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.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

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

Fall 2026
Program Start Date	Sep 2026
Status	Closed
Application opens	October 1, 2025
Application Deadline

Courses

The program consists of approximately 26 weeks of classroom/kitchen training and 12 weeks of supervised community work experience matched to the student's interests and abilities.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
FSCR 0610	Professionalism	2
FSCR 0615	Worker Safety	2
FSCR 0620	FOODSAFE Level I	2
FSCR 0625	Bussing and Dishwashing	1
FSCR 0630	Workplace Communications	3
FSCR 0635	Kitchen Basics	6
FSCR 0640	Basic Food Prep Level I	5
FSCR 0645	Basic Food Prep Level 2	5
FSCR 0650	Work Experience 1 for Food Service Careers	4
FSCR 0655	Work Experience 2 for Food Service Careers	4
FSCR 0660	Work Experience 3 for Food Service Careers	4
Total Credits		38

This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

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
Campus resource	$80
U-Pass	$423	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Other fees	$266
Total	$3,015

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices please contact easd@vcc.ca.

* 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.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Are you interested in this program?

Sign up for an information session to learn about our Accessible Education and Training programs.
After you have attended the information session, apply on EducationPlanner BC. You will need to know which program you would like to attend.
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.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

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