Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker program at Sault College provides the student with the knowledge and skills to be an effective member of a food service team. The program covers food preparation, service, nutrition, sanitation practices, customer service, communications, and business skills.

The program includes practical fieldwork experience for those individuals without previous training in an institutional setting or job training in food service operations.

Most courses are offered online via the internet. Online courses begin every January, May, and September. The Fieldwork course (FSW105) is available as independent study anytime.

This program is available on a course-by-course basis. Students may choose to complete one or more courses each semester. Students in this program are not eligible for OSAP funding. Courses within this program must be completed within 7 years, unless otherwise specified.

Clinical, Lab and Field Placement Requirements

If you have successfully completed a program such as Culinary Management or Culinary Skills—Chef Training, you may be eligible for exemption from some courses.

If you are currently employed as a food service employee in a long-term care institution or have completed at least 1 year of equivalent full-time employment in the past 5 years, you may be eligible for exemption from the fieldwork course. You will be required to provide proof of hours worked from your employer.

Fieldwork experience provides the student with the opportunity to apply classroom theory to an actual employment situation. Students with experience in the food service field may apply for a prior learning assessment (PLAR).

All applicants will be required to submit documentation of having completed the following procedures prior to entering clinical, lab, identified courses, and/or field placement components of the program: If the appropriate documentation is not received at least two weeks before the start of the identified clinical, lab, course and/or field placement, it may be necessary to withdraw the student from the course.

• A current (within six months) police record search This is required by students as they are enrolled in a program during which they will have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons

• Immunization and Health Record Form. This form includes the following immunization requirements: a two-step TB test; immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella; current tetanus; diphtheria immunization; and current influenza immunization.

• Please note that many employers require proof of the COVID-19 vaccination. Not having your COVID-19 vaccinations may prevent you from gaining a placement or future employment

• Statement of Confidentiality Form, WSIB, and Workplace Agreement Form These forms will be given to you to sign prior to your fieldwork placement.

• WHMIS.

• Safe Food Handler This training can be taken online.

All costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Career Path

Graduates of the program may seek employment as a food service worker in a commercial, institutional, or long-term care facility. Potential positions exist in nursing homes, homes for the elderly, retirement homes, rest homes, special care homes, hospitals, residential hospices, residential group home facilities, and other integrated care facilities.