Food Service Careers
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 |
What to expect
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 requirements
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.
Learn more about VCC's 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 | |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 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.| 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 [email protected].
* 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.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
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Technical requirement
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.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?