<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Food Service Careers certificate teaches skills and knowledge to work in the food service industry through practical experience in community-based work settings. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities. 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. You will progress from kitchen basics to food preparation and cooking skills. Classroom/kitchen learning components then alternate with three supervised workplace practicum placements, four (4) weeks in length, which progressively increase in variety and complexity of tasks.

Food Service Careers Certificate

Vancouver Community College

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1. Two screening interviews:

    - First is with the Student Services Assistant for students with disabilities to determine the applicant's suitability for the program;
    - Second is with the Food Service Careers faculty member (if the applicant is successful in the first interview), which includes a hands-on assessment in the teaching kitchen

2. The following criteria/checklist is used at interviews to determine eligibility*:
 
    - Diagnosis or history that reflects a difficulty with learning (documentation of disability or prior assessments may be required)
    - Comfortable in an alternative learning environment designed for students with diverse learning needs
    - Evidence of career exploration that supports training in the food service industry 
    - Minimum Grade 5 reading level. (Lesser qualified applicants may be considered with the instructor's approval)
    - Ability to independently commute to the college and workplace
    - Emotional and medical stability
    - Ability to manage own medication
    - Appropriate personal hygiene and ability to independently attend to personal care needs
    - Desire and willingness to work in a professional kitchen
    - Ability to attend classroom and practicum on a full-time basis
    - Good finger and hand dexterity for handling food and equipment 
 
Note(*): applicants may be asked to sign a release of information so that documentation can be provided to faculty to support the application.

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Some practicum placements may require completion of a Criminal Record Check (CRC) prior to the practicum placement with children and/or vulnerable adults. Consult with the department at the start of your program to determine whether or not a CRC will be required.
2. This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
3. Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encourages to connect with VCC's Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC's Indigenous Enrolment policy and services.
4. If you are missing any prerequisites, VCC offers academic upgrading, English as a Second Language courses, and university transfer options.
5. It is recommended that you have:
 
    - sincere motivation to work
    - maturity
    - stable living situation
    - community support
    - 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)

Admission Advice

Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
International students may refer to the VCC International page for details on admission deadlines. 

Vancouver Community College

Food Service Careers Certificate

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