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.
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What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- 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.
What to expect
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.
The Retail and Service Careers Certificate provides a supportive environment in which students receive skills training and information in preparation for entry level positions in the retail or service industries. Instructional strategies include, but are not limited to, lecture, classroom discussion, demonstrations, guest speakers, experiential learning, working experience placements and practice.
The program begins with an orientation and introduction to basic job readiness skills, industry orientation, Worker Safety, FOODSAFE™, and industry awareness. Students progress from general retail and service careers introduction to learning more focused skills in the retail or service industries.?
Students take part in two work placements providing them with hands on learning. The first placement is four (4) weeks in duration, the location of the work experience is at the discretion of the program faculty and student. The goal of this placement is to allow the student and instructor(s) to identify skill strengths and sector focus. Work Experience 2 is four (4) weeks in length in either the retail, tourism or services sectors. In the final course, Bridging to Employment, students may experience a third practicum if there is an offer of potential employment following the second practicum. This will be determined by student, instructor and employer. The experiential learning of work experience placements allows students to benefit from a realistic and practical exposure to the workplace. Retail and Service Careers faculty work closely with students to determine strengths and abilities when choosing work experience sites. Faculty also provide ongoing support to students during work experience placements.
Instruction is delivered for certification in FOODSAFE Level 1™, WHMIS and WorkSafe.
Experiential learning and ongoing practice of skills occur throughout the program, on campus in the teaching lab/classroom, during industry tours, as well as during the work experience placements.
Students participate in two formal planning meetings and an exit interview with program faculty. The planning meetings assist students in identifying strengths, areas of improvement, areas requiring further improvement, and suggest strategies for success. The exit interview reviews students’ success, expectations, and outcomes. Students are required to attend the planning meeting and are encouraged to invite individuals who support them outside of school. This can include parents or caregivers, employment specialists, representatives from supportive organizations like Community Living BC (CLBC), and counselors. Having these support people present benefits the student as they complete the course.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- A hands-on assessment that will evaluate basic dexterity skills
- A 15-minute reading comprehension assessment
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
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.
Program Considerations
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Comfortable in various learning environments, including classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences
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Classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences requires a level of stamina, strength and endurance for participation
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For prospective students with limited work experience, the CAP program is the preferred prerequisite to the RSC program. Click here for CAP program information
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Ability and willingness to travel independently to the college and workplace?
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Readiness for learning in a postsecondary cohort, including emotional regulation
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Ability to attend classroom and work experience, up to 6 hours a day, 4 days a week
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 20-24.