Retail and Service Careers Certificate

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

A waitress in an apron is smiling and handing a menu to a customer in a restaurant setting.

On this page

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Overview

Gain skills and knowledge to work in the retail or service industries through experiential learning in the classroom, on field trips, and on work experience placements. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.
Tuition N/A
Credential Certificate
Length 9 month
Hours N/A
Delivery N/A
Campus Downtown
Start Dates

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Apply organizational and time management skills to meet the demands of the retail and service industry.
  • Apply FOODSAFE™ principles where applicable when working in the service sector.
  • Apply worker safety principles consistent with industry standards across the retail and service sectors.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional ethical manner with customers, co-workers, and supervisors.
  • Interact with customers, co-workers and supervisors using appropriate workplace communication and customer service skills.
  • Demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills when faced with a common challenge in an entry-level retail or service role.
  • Perform the skills and duties in their roles both independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrate basic digital literacy skills for personal growth and success in the workplace.
  • Recognize the variety of sub-sectors and entry-level employment opportunities within the retail and service sectors.
  • Apply the skills and attitudes that are necessary to be a successful team member in the workplace.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This program is 9 months in length, with classes taught up to 6 hours a day, 4 days a week. The maximum time to complete the program is one year.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

An interview with a Retail and Service Careers instructor that will include:
  • A hands-on assessment that will evaluate basic dexterity skills
  • A 15-minute reading comprehension assessment

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

  • 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

  • For prospective students with limited work experience, the CAP program is the preferred prerequisite to the RSC program. Click here for CAP program information

  • Ability and willingness to travel independently to the college and workplace

  • Readiness for learning in a postsecondary cohort, including emotional regulation

  • Ability to attend classroom and work experience, up to 6 hours a day, 4 days a week

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Core Courses
RSCR 0610 Skills for Student Success 2
RSCR 0611 Work Health and Safety 3
RSCR 0612 Exploring Employment 1 4
RSCR 0613 Workplace Communication 1 4
RSCR 0614 Skills for Workplace Success 1 3
RSCR 0622 Exploring Employment 2 2
RSCR 0623 Workplace Communication 2 3
RSCR 0624 Skills for Workplace Success 2 3
Work Experience
RSCR 0625 Retail and Service Work Experience 1 4
RSCR 0626 Retail and Service Work Experience 2 4
Bridging to Employment
RSCR 0630 Bridging to Employment 4
Total Credits 36

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

* 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?

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Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

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

Contact us

Advising services

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

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

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.