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Apply NOW Program FAQ

Retail Food and Supermarket Careers (Adult Special Education)

This program provides training as a service clerk while building familiarity with other aspects of the retail food industry such as the grocery and produce departments. Each student benefits from a core curriculum that reflects the standards of industry for hygiene and grooming, safe food handling, safety, employee conduct and interpersonal skills. Strong emphasis is placed on superior customer service. Training is introduced in the classroom and practised through work experiences in local retail food outlets.

The program consists of approximately 26 weeks of classroom training and 12 weeks of supervised community work experiences matched to the student's interests and abilities.

Find out more about this program:

Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply and Register Fees and Other Costs Courses

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 9 months Certificate Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue competitive employment in retail food and supermarket outlets.

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Exceptions

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Interview with the Student Service Assistant for Students with Disabilities, phone 604.443.8451
2) Successful interview with two members of the CACE Department, which includes a hands-on assessment. Applicants may be asked to sign a release of information for any reports that will provide the program staff with further information
3) Diagnosis or history that identifies a difficulty with learning
4) Comfort in an alternative learning environment designed for students with disabilities
5) Previous career exploration that supports training in the retail food industry
6) Possess a Grade 5 reading level. Lesser qualified applicants will be considered with instructors' approval
7) Possess the ability to perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
8) Desire and willingness to work with customers in a retail setting
9) Ability to travel independently to the college and workplace
10) Ability to attend classroom and practicum on a full-time basis (30 hours per week)
11) Ability to stand for long periods of time
12) Good finger and hand dexterity for handling goods and equipment
13) Willingness to work shifts including evenings and weekends

Recommended characteristics

- Motivation to be employed in a retail food setting

- Previous career exploration in the retail food industry

- Maturity

- Stable living conditions

- Community support

- Medication managed independently by student

- A level of independence that allows the student to make routine daily decisions

- Ability to attend to personal care needs

- No behavioural, emotional problems or medical concerns that would significantly impair learning

Program Status

Accepting applications

Apply and Register

Contact the Community and Career Education Department at 604.443.8451 or email cace@vcc.ca regarding the application process for this program.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $1,442.10

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $83.60 Student union fee $23.69 Other costs Textbooks and Uniform: $275 for textbooks and black pants, black shoes, white shirts

Courses