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Confederation College Board of Governor's Certificate

Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker program trains students in food preparation and safe food handling practices for institutional and commercial food service settings. Students develop skills for working in healthcare facilities, restaurants, and catering services while learning compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards.

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Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
5600
Any Time
Up to 5 years
1 semester
Part-Time
Online Self-Paced
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

Food Service Workers (FSW) assist with food preparation, and safe food handling for many avenues of the food industry.

This program will also enhance your skills if you are already employed in an institutional food preparation setting, whether it is a commercial or long-term care facility.

Please review the Courses, Admissions Requirements and Getting Started tabs for more information on this program.

Empowering Your Career in Food Service

Confederation College's Food Service Worker certificate program is designed to equip aspiring and current food service professionals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the food industry. This program is ideal for individuals aiming to make a mark in food service preparation and safe food handling across various sectors, including commercial kitchens and long-term care facilities.

Top Highlights

  • Flexibility and Accessibility: Offered through Continuing Education, our program provides a learner-friendly schedule, allowing up to 5 years for completion. This flexibility caters to both new entrants into the food service industry and professionals looking to upgrade their skills without disrupting their current employment.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Dive into a curriculum that covers all critical aspects of food service, including:
    • Food Preparation: Learn the art and science of preparing a wide range of dishes.
    • Safe Food Handling: Master the standards of hygiene and safety crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses.
    • Service Excellence: Develop skills in serving diverse populations, understanding their unique needs and preferences.

Certification and Career Advancement

Earning the Confederation College Board of Governor's Certificate signifies your readiness to tackle the challenges of the food service industry with professionalism and competence. This certification is a mark of quality that can open doors to numerous opportunities in hospitality, particularly in:

  • Institutional food service settings
  • Commercial kitchens
  • Long-term care facilities

Why Choose Confederation College?

  • Industry-Relevant Skills: Our curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest trends and standards in the food service industry, preparing you for the real-world challenges of 2024 and beyond.
  • Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights into the classroom.
  • Career-Focused Education: With a strong emphasis on employability, our program is designed to enhance your job prospects in the highly competitive food service sector.

Next Steps

To embark on your journey towards becoming a certified Food Service Worker with Confederation College, we encourage you to explore further details on:

  • Courses: Get a closer look at the specific courses offered within the program.
  • Admissions Requirements: Understand the prerequisites for enrolling in the Food Service Worker program.
  • Getting Started: Find out how to apply and begin your educational journey with us.

Join Confederation College's Food Service Worker program today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the food service industry. Together, we can contribute to healthier and happier communities through excellence in food preparation and service.

Getting Started

Learn how to begin your educational journey by visiting our Getting Started page.

Contact our Recruitment team

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (5600)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. 19 years of age or older or
  2. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
  3. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  4. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  5. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program - LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.

Complete the Application for Admission to Part-time Program

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Courses

1 intake

Any Time5600

Semester 1

OL 334

Communication and the Food Service Worker

42 hours

This course focuses on the communication skills required by the food service worker. General principles of human communication such as verbal interaction and listening are explored. Students will learn effective communication skills with patients, residents, co-workers and supervisors. Students will also have the opportunity to develop writing skills and presentation skills with a major emphasis on documenting and charting food intake measuring techniques, communication of therapeutic diets and nutrition support required for treatment. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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OL 413

Institutional Food Service

42 hours

This course focuses on the food service worker's role in health care food service with an emphasis on requirements under the Long-Term Care Homes Act. Various food production, delivery and service systems will be introduced and departmental operations such as purchasing, receiving, storage and inventory will be discussed. Quality management and costs controls will also be addressed. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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OL 426

Sanitation and Safety

42 hours

This course focuses on preventing food-borne illness within the health care environment. Safe food handling practices and regulations and acts governing food service are emphasized. Quality improvement and risk management programs such as HACCP are also discussed. Safe working environments for the FSW are explored including fire safety, managing safety hazards, prevention of common injuries, and an introduction to first aid. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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OL 433

Intro to Nutrition

42 hours

This course introduces students to the basic principles of human nutrition and the role of nutrition in the health care environment. Nutrient composition of foods and current nutrition recommendations for carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and water will be discussed. An introduction to digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients will be provided. Energy balanced and body composition and special considerations for nutrition throughout the lifecycle will also be explored. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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OL 455

Nutrition in Health Care

42 hours

This course focuses on the basic principles of nutrition therapy with an emphasis on person-centred care. A variety of conditions will be discussed including age-related changes, food allergies, heart disease, digestive disorders and diabetes. Students will explore the nutrition recommendations, special diets and nutrition support used in the prevention and management of these and other conditions. OL433 Introduction to Nutrition (first course in the program) and OL455 Nutrition in Health Care may be taken concurrently. The student is responsible for ensuring that they are currently registered in OL433 or have successfully completed OL433 before registering in OL455. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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OL 473

Quantity Food Preparation

42 hours

This course focuses on the cooking principles and methods for preparing food in large quantities. Students will be introduced to control systems used in quantity food production including menu planning, standardized recipes, portion control, forecasting, scheduling and service. Various food types will be examined including sandwiches, salads, desserts, beverages, soups, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. Texture modified and special menu items will also be explored. This course emphasizes the importance of quality improvement and customer satisfaction in quantity food production. FOOD SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM - complete program application http:www.confederationcollege.ca/ce/admissionapplication

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Meet the Program Staff

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Careers

Upon completion of the Food Service Worker Certificate program at Confederation College, graduates are primed to enter a vibrant sector with a wealth of opportunities. In tune with the evolving demands of Ontario’s food service industry in 2024, our program is specifically designed to nurture skilled professionals ready to excel in various roles. Here's where our graduates can shine:

  • Institutional Food Service: Our program prepares you to stand out in institutional environments such as healthcare facilities, retirement homes, and long-term care centers. You'll bring expertise in food preparation and adherence to dietary needs, ensuring safe and nutritious meals for sensitive populations.
  • Community and Supportive Housing: With a focus on community wellness, graduates are well-equipped to serve in community centers and supportive living facilities. The skills gained in our program enable you to meet diverse dietary preferences and contribute positively to community health.
  • Restaurant and Hospitality Sector: The fast-paced world of restaurants, cafes, and hotels demands the exceptional culinary and service skills that our training program cultivates. From understanding kitchen dynamics to excelling in customer service, graduates are prepared for the hustle and bustle of the hospitality industry.
  • Schools and Educational Institutions: Catering to the nutritional needs of students, our graduates are assets in school cafeterias and university dining services. The program emphasizes large-scale food service management, ensuring nutritious, appealing meals are served to the next generation.
  • Catering Services: With a flair for organization and culinary arts, program alumni thrive in catering and event management. Skills in menu planning, food safety, and client service prepare you for the demands of catering for events, from weddings to corporate functions.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: For those inspired to launch their own food service business, our program provides the foundational knowledge in food safety, culinary preparation, and business skills necessary to succeed, whether it’s a food truck or a boutique café.

Advancing Your Career with Confederation College

The Food Service Worker Certificate program is more than just a stepping stone into the industry; it's a launchpad for lifelong career growth. We ensure our graduates are not just prepared for their immediate entry into the food service world but are also equipped with the adaptability and skills needed for long-term success. Through our dedicated career services and extensive professional network, we support our graduates in navigating the job market, securing meaningful employment, and achieving their career ambitions.

Dive into a fulfilling career with the Food Service Worker Certificate program at Confederation College, where the possibilities in the food service sector are as diverse and rewarding as the communities we serve.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Learn more about articulation agreements and educational pathways
Students at Confederation College

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