Retail and Hospitality Careers

Overview

Gain skills and knowledge to work in retail and hospitality through practical experience in community-based work settings. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.

What to expect

What you will learn

• Apply organizational and time management skills to meet the demands of the service industry.
• Apply FOODSAFE™ and worker safety principles consistently when working in a service industry workplace.
• Interact with customers, co-workers and supervisors in a polite and professional manner using appropriate workplace communication skills.
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner in the workplace, consistent with industry standards.
• Differentiate among a wide variety of workplace opportunities in retail and hospitality industry.
• Apply basic knowledge of the equipment and procedures in a service industry.
• Perform skills specific to industry in an independent and reliable manner.
• Accurately use knowledge of industry terms, products, principles and skills.
• Describe industry groups and customer profiles within industry sectors.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

The Retail and Hospitality Careers Certificate is a full-time program. It is thirty-eight (38) weeks in length, with twenty-six (26) weeks of classroom/lab/industry orientation and training, and twelve (12) weeks of workplace experience placements.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

• Admission is based on two (2) screening interviews: 
  • The first screening interview is with the CACE Student Services Assistant for students with Disabilities to determine the applicant’s suitability for the program, according to an admission checklist. 
  • If the applicant is successful in the first interview, they will have a second interview with the Retail and Hospitality Careers faculty, including a hands-on assessment. 
  • Interviews are documented and a checklist is used to determine eligibility 
  • Applicants may be asked to sign a release of information so documentation can be provided to faculty to support the application 
• Admissibility is based on the following criteria: 
  • Diagnosis or history that identifies difficulty with learning
  • Comfort and tolerance in an alternative learning environment designed for students with diverse learning needs 
  • Previous career exploration that supports training in the retail or hospitality sectors 
  • Grade 5 reading level. If an applicant does not have documentation of reading level, an informal reading assessment will be administered to determine their functional reading level; applicants who do not meet the requirement will be considered based on department approval 
  • Ability and willingness to travel independently to the college and workplace 
  • A checklist is used to document behaviours, emotional problems, or medical conditions that could significantly impair learning or compromise the safety of the student and/or others 
  • Independently manage own medication  
  • Demonstrate appropriate personal hygiene, and have the ability to independently attend to personal care needs 
  • Desire and willingness to work in the retail and/or hospitality sectors, and perform tasks in an efficient and timely manner 
  • Ability to attend classroom and work experience on a fulltime basis 
  • Demonstrate the skills and willingness to perform program related tasks with strength and endurance 
  • Good finger and hand dexterity  

Upon Acceptance 

• Students in the program may be required to complete a Criminal Record Check (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. Consult with the department at the start of your program to determine whether or not a Criminal Record Check will be required. 

Recommended characteristics

• sincere motivation to work
• a mature attitude
• stable living situation
• ability to operate independently in the community without supervision
• have a community support network
• ability to work in a demanding and busy work environment under stress or pressure
• ability to work flexible hours (early morning and late evenings) and weekend shifts

Program availability

Courses

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

How to apply

Are you interested in this program?

1. Sign up for an information session to learn about our Accessible Education and Training programs.
2. After you have attended the information session, apply on EducationPlanner BC. You will need to know which program you would like to attend.
3. 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.

For more information or support with your application please contact easd@vcc.ca.

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