Diploma in Food Processing Technician (Optional Co-op)

at Conestoga College - Cambridge Campus Canada

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Food Processing program is a two-semester, full-time graduate certificate program designed for students having a previous degree or advanced diploma in science, food or engineering, and who want to be prepared for a career in the food processing industry in the area of food safety and quality assurance. The program offers a suite of courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge gained in previous education stages for direct applicability in the food processing environment with respect to food safety and quality assurance. The Food Safety and Quality Assurance program is unique in Ontario because students apply their learning in Conestoga's pilot plant facility, enabling learners to incorporate theoretical knowledge in quality assurance and food safety to the practical environment of food manufacturing. Upon completion, graduates will have practical experience in food safety applications in the industrial processing environment, a strong understanding of Canadian and international food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and knowledge of the inter-dependence between cleaning and sanitation principles, food safety concepts and quality assurance and quality control elements typical of the food processing sector.

Program Outcomes

• Apply scientific concepts of chemistry and microbiology to the development, monitoring and maintenance of food safety and quality assurance systems specific to the food processing industry.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of practical applications of food safety and quality assurance system elements in a real food manufacturing environment, across the logistics chain from the farm to the consumer.
• Analyze law and regulations applicable to food processing from the perspective of food safety and quality assurance and their effects on operational activities in a food manufacturing facility.
• Create and modify food safety and quality assurance system components such as policies, procedures, and instructions, based on scientific principles and in line with pertinent regulations and laws, using clear communication and appropriate terminology.
• Recommend means to mitigate and control risks through cleaning and sanitation, traceability, HACCP, Good Manufacturing and Good Agricultural Practices, and other quality assurance and food safety elements based upon food safety risk assessments of food manufacturing activities.
• Recommend changes to processes and procedures by employing food safety and quality system audit tools (i.e. GFSI, ISO) that inform compliance of food processing operations to laws and regulations.
• Collect, prepare and test food and environmental samples using appropriate laboratory techniques.
• Analyze, interpret and report on the results of sampling programs and studies relative to food safety and quality assurance processes to draw conclusions and make recommendations that align with regulations and established industry practices.

Increased concern regarding the protection and management of the environment has resulted in the environmental field becoming one of the future-facing industries in Canada and abroad. This graduate certificate program meets the demand for trained technologists and environmental scientists in the areas of brownfield redevelopment, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance and enforcement. It was developed in consultation with representatives from the environmental industry. The program is reviewed and updated by a Program Advisory Committee comprised of practitioners from the consulting, manufacturing, and public sectors.For qualified college or university graduates, this program enhances existing skills and competencies. The training provided prepares graduates to act as key players in responding to today's environmental challenges. Studies focus on the application of current engineering and scientific principles to protect and manage the environment in the following areas:- environmental monitoring and investigations- environmental auditing and assessment- management and clean up of contaminated sites- environmental enforcement and regulations- solid and hazardous waste management- 40-hour HAZWOPER training- water quality- air quality monitoring and permittingGraduates will be prepared to write Ministry of Environment Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) licensing exams. Classroom instruction will be complemented by environmental monitoring training in the field, visits to solid-waste and industrial facilities, health and safety training, and visits to sites undergoing environmental investigations or clean up. The 40-hour HAZWOPER training course is offered as part of the program curriculum. During the completion of a term project, students are provided with mentoring advice from practicing environmental engineers, technologists, and scientists. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

This one-year full-time Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed for students who have completed a degree or diploma in science or engineering, and who want to pursue for a supervisory position in the food manufacturing industry. The program offers a suite of courses designed to developskills and knowledge with direct applicability in the food manufacturing environment. You will integrate leadership concepts in communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Course materials will be applied in a food manufacturing pilot plant environment and students will be exposed to operations in local industries. You will use continuous improvement including lean six sigma, project management, equipment maintenance, food safety and quality assurance to design systems that lead to excellence in manufacturing.

This program provides training for those interested in a career as a food processing technician in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. It includes courses on industrial maintenance, drawings and schematics, machine technology, pumps, valves, motor controls and PLCs, as well as an introduction to food science, food processing methods, food safety and an overview of the principles of food manufacturing. All theoretical training is supported by hands-on experience in mechanical shops and a food processing pilot plant. Students in the Food Processing Technician program will receive training in mechanical systems and industrial maintenance as they apply to a food manufacturing operation and will have intensive hands-on mechanical experience with food processing equipment.The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term instead of the Guided Career Management course.

Applying to the co-op stream

• All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Not every student who meets academic eligibility requirements will be admitted to the co-op stream.
• To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 70% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses.
• International students will require work permits to utilize the co-op job board for job search and to accept employment. Students are currently experiencing longer than usual wait times for work permits. Please be advised that there will be no co-op program service fee refunds after the program withdrawal for refund date. Students that have not received their work permit and choose to remain in co-op after the program withdrawal for refund date do so at their own risk and will not be refunded. If you are concerned about receiving your work permit in time to achieve co-op employment, please discuss your situation with your co-op advisor as early as possible.

This diploma program features co-operative education with six academic terms at the College and three work terms in industry. Studies combine theoretical knowledge with applied skills in the control of robotic and automated equipment using electronics, programmable automation controllers, computers, hydraulics and pneumatics.

In addition, the program focuses on the development of skills in computer-aided design, mechanical technology, electric motors, servo-mechanisms, robotics, industrial automation, and safety standards.
Emphasis is placed on effective techniques for designing, modifying, installing, testing, maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting equipment and systems. Effective communication is also stressed.

The Robotics and Automation program culminates in a third-year capstone project in which all the skills learned at school and on work terms are integrated into the proposal, design and construction of a fully functioning manufacturing work cell. The optional co-op stream includes three co-op work terms.

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category.

Applying to the Co-op Stream
All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Every student who meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co-op stream.
To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum 65% in Level 1 with a maximum of one dropped or failed courses and must pass MECH1050.

Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages.
The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

Graduates from Electronics/Computer/Telecommunications Engineering Technician/Technology programs work with electronic, computer and communications equipment and systems. They are technical experts and problem solvers. Many of our graduates report that they enjoy the creative aspects of the job and seeing projects come to life. The three programs have the same first year. At the end of first year, students may switch programs if they desire. Graduates of the Computer Engineering Technology program are able to design, build, test and repair a computer-based system or any part of one. Their very strong electronics knowledge and skills enable them to take on many roles in industry. Their strength in hardware, mathematics and theory equips them to interface with the physical world. Because of the power of embedded processor chips, they are used to simplify (and make less expensive) most non-trivial equipment and systems. (Fuel injection and pollution control for automobiles is a classic example). Our graduates design, build and test the computer part of such systems. Their strong mathematical background and interpersonal skills equip them to work as part of an engineering team. Since the program is approximately half lab work and half theory, graduates have a particular advantage in the practical implementation of systems, software and circuits. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms.The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category.The Computer Engineering Technology program has been recognized by the Royal Canadian Navy and now qualifies for Canadian Armed Forces skill recognition. Students who graduate from this program will receive advanced standing as a Weapons Engineering Technician in the Royal Canadian Navy (subject to successful enrolment in the Canadian Armed Forces).

Graduates from the Electronics/Computer/Telecommunications Engineering Technician/Technology programs work with electronic, computer and communications equipment and systems. They are technical experts and problem solvers. Many of our graduates report that they enjoy the creative aspects of the job and seeing projects come to life. The three programs have the same first year. At the end of first year, students may switch programs if they desire. Graduates of the Electronics Engineering Technology program are able to design, build, test and repair a communications system or any part of one. Their very strong electronics knowledge and skills enable them to take on many roles in industry. They have particular strength in digital signal processing, as well as with circuits operating at microwave frequencies. Since embedded computer chips can replace electronic components, graduates are able to implement a given circuit function either in software or with physical parts. Graduates have a strong mathematical background and interpersonal communication skills. Since the program is approximately half lab work and half theory, graduates have a particular advantage in the practical implementation of systems, software and circuits. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms.The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category.The Electronics Engineering Technology program has been recognized by the Royal Canadian Navy and now qualifies for Canadian Armed Forces skill recognition. Students who graduate from this program will receive advanced standing as a Weapons Engineering Technician in the Royal Canadian Navy (subject to successful enrolment in the Canadian Armed Forces).

The Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering (MSE) program, delivered at the honours level, is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) allowing graduates to become professional engineers after completing their mandatory work experience and writing a professional practice exam.The program integrates a rich blend of interdisciplinary topics covering mechanical, industrial and control engineering to enable graduates to design complex computer-controlled mechanical systems. Automated manufacturing systems, comprised of mechanical components, conveyors, electrical and pneumatic actuators, sensors and robots are examples of such mechanical systems.The MSE program is delivered in a unique project-based curriculum model allowing students to learn by doing while developing strong skills in business methodologies, project management, environmental protection and interpersonal and team dynamics. As they work on increasingly complex projects, students progress from the technical fundamentals to advanced leading technologies in design, manufacturing and automation. This project work, combined with twelve months of paid co-op opportunities, thoroughly prepares MSE graduates for a successful career in a variety of engineering fields.

This program focuses on the field of Mechatronics from an industrial maintenance perspective. We will provide you with a combination of training in both electrical and mechanical maintenance including applications in automated manufacturing systems, industrial robotics, and system integration. The focus on creating highly technical mechatronics maintenance team members from this program, will allow you to integrate into a variety of industries with knowledge in Industry 4.0/IIOT, mobile robotics, and big data. This program covers all the learning outcomes for Levels 1 and 2 of the Electrician and Millwright apprenticeship programs in Ontario. Students who pursue an apprenticeship in either trade may be exempt from these levels of in-school training. The optional co-op stream includes one paid co-op work term.

Applying to the Co-op Stream
All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Every student who meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co-op stream.
To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum 70% session weighted average and no failed or dropped courses in Level 1.

Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages.
The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

The Structural Packaging Design & Management program is a one-year graduate certificate designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to design and manage the production of packaging in a variety of materials including metal, glass, plastic, paper and corrugated. Students will study critical aspects of structural packaging design and management: product protection (safety and security), durability, the ability to recycle materials, sustainability opportunities and issues, and best management practices in a manufacturing environment. Significant career opportunities exist across many sectors of industry.