1. Food Service Workers Learn Their Roles in One Semester
Do you have an interest in working with patients/residents and food; food customer service skills;
high standards of personal hygiene and a neat appearance; sufficient physical strength and
stamina to handle the demands and working conditions such as being on your feet all day; and an
ability to follow directions and work as part of a team? If so, you may want to consider becoming
one of Canada’s food service workers.
According to Alberta Health Services, these professionals, “work as part of a team that can include
other food services workers, cooks, supervisors, managers, dieticians and others, depending on
the size and type of facility … Food services workers spend almost all of their work time standing
and walking. During their shifts they may visit patient or resident care rooms and work in kitchens
or cafeterias. They may find themselves lifting, pushing, and pulling food, supplies and equipment
during the course of their work. Food services workers may handle sharp or hot items and strong
cleaning supplies during their work and so must take care not to harm themselves or others in
doing so.”
At Centennial College’s Food Service Worker program, students are taught how to handle all
of these tasks in an efficient manner in just one semester. Developed to meet the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care regulations and with input from professional organizations and health
care employers, students benefit from a learning experience that meets current government
standards and employer requirements as well as a work placement.
Among the courses that are offered in this program are:
The Role of the Food Service Worker: In the healthcare industry, this professional’s role is
essential. This overview course explores the range of responsibilities and duties of the Food
Service worker as well as food service operations, quality and risk management, ethical issues,
legislation and regulation.
Workplace Communications: Effective communication is the key to great customer service and
job hunting. Students not only receive helpful methods for job searching but they also learn to
understand the value of effectively communicate and customer service with clients, co-workers,
management, external service providers and related government agencies.
Nutrition in Health Care: In their roles, Food Service Workers must understand nutrition. As
such, they learn to identify factors that affect food intake and apply them to basic menu planning
principles based on Canada’s Food guide; explore nutritional needs and the factors affecting intake
throughout the life cycle; and understand the personalization of food and nutrition by therapeutic
and texture modification.
Kitchen Equipment and Food Preparation: Food preparation and production is one of the main
roles of this professional. This course was created to teach students to apply the theory of menu
planning, portion control, food procurement, quantity food preparation and production, role of the
production staff, preparation equipment and quality improvement.
To become successful in this field, a Food Service Degree is not necessary. The Ontario College
Graduate certificate with which you will graduate from Centennial College allows you to work in:
long-term care, retirement facilities, acute care and with food service contractors.