Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Essential Employment Skills
Overview
The Essential Employment Skills Certificate (EESC) will help Deaf and hard of hearing students develop necessary job and communication skills. Students will apply strategies and tools related to work experience, career research, employment skills and self-assessment. This comprehensive approach will provide the opportunities to acquire the skills and resources that enable adults to engage more confidently and participate more fully in the workplace.
Not accepting applications at this time.
| Credential | Certificate |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Program status | Closed |
What to expect
Interactive lectures, lab activities, field experience, individual and group work, written and signed assignments, projects and presentations.
Two work experience placements:
- Term one – 4 weeks
- Term two – 4 weeks
Students work with the instructor to determine their work experience placement options. The instructor sets up the placement, provides weekly, on-site conferences and conducts an employer/instructor/student evaluation.
What you will learn
- Apply awareness of self and others in their personal relationships and workplace interactions.
- Research and explore their personal interests, lifestyles, and career choices to develop and understand reasons for working.
- Contribute to fair and inclusive employment practices in the workplace.
- Network with appropriate contacts in order to develop an employment resource base.
- Compose and revise resumes and cover letters to match career opportunities.
- Apply the necessary skills for a successful job interview.
- Perform duties in the workplace with increasing levels of autonomy through work placement training, evaluation and feedback.
- Demonstrate basic computer functions and access online files at the workplace.
- Examine workplace conflict situation and demonstrate ways to resolve conflicts.
- Identify and complete relevant employment documentation such as hiring and tax forms.
- Demonstrate the importance of balancing cultural values and workplace dynamics.
- Advocate and express needs relating to ongoing workplace accommodations, training and awareness.
- Communicate requests and notifications to employer regarding career transitions and internal advancements.
Program duration and maximum time for completion
The program is 10 months of full-time study. The maximum time for completion is 3 years.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- DHHE 0603 English Foundations with a "S" grade or permission from the Department
- Interview with Department Leader and EESC instructor to determine student career goals, digital literacy skills and ASL competency
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 considerations
- Ability to follow workplace instruction, policy and procedures
- Ability to adapt to a variety of workplace situations
- Ability to recognize common problems associated with a particular workplace and identify possible solutions
Program availability
Fall 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Courses
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHHR 0610 | Personal Development 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0616 | Employment Skills 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0617 | Career Explorations 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0618 | Workplace Literacy Skills 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0619 | Essential Employment Skills Work Experience 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DHHR 0620 | Personal Development 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0626 | Employment Skills 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0627 | Career Explorations 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0628 | Workplace Literacy Skills 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0629 | Essential Employment Skills Work Experience 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DHHR 0631 | Self Awareness and Advocacy | 3 |
| DHHR 0632 | Employment Search Literacy | 3 |
| DHHR 0633 | Career Networking and Resources | 3 |
| DHHR 0634 | Workplace Conflict Resolution | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
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
Not accepting applications at this time.
How to apply
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
Program information
<p>For questions about Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs email us at [email protected].</p>
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?