Diploma in Food Processing Technician (Optional Co-op)

at Conestoga College - Cambridge Campus Canada

This unique program provides extensive hands-on work with welding automation and robotics systems including: GMAW (MIG) and spot-welding applications, CAD/CAM applications with CNC thermal cutting, and off-line robotic simulation programming applications. The curriculum builds on welding technology background with broader knowledge in manufacturing methods and industrial automation. This program has a common first two years with the Welding Engineering Technology - Inspection program. 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. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms.

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 the co-op stream, students will be required to achieve an overall 60% unweighted average (with a maximum of one dropped or failed course) in all Level 1 and 2 program courses. If an applicant has a lower overall average, their application will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis, based on one or more of: course performance, a possible interview, and number of acceptances already granted. Courses in which exemptions were granted or PLARs achieved will be ignored in calculating the average (with the exception below).
Students seeking to transfer with advanced standing into the co-op option from other programs (e.g., Welding Techniques #1193 or Welding and Fabrication Technician #0046) will be considered; however, transfer credits for Technical Mathematics I and Technical Mathematics II will be weighted with a 20% penalty and all of the other requirements above will apply.

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 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.

This unique program addresses the demanding and rewarding field of welding inspection and quality assurance through metallurgical analysis, destructive testing of welds and non-destructive evaluation methods for quality control and assurance. Students will learn to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a variety of operational areas such as selection and application of welding processes, troubleshooting of welding equipment, the operation of welding robotics and automation. Students will also have the opportunity to study in outstanding facilities where considerable time will be spent in applying welding engineering technology inspection theories and skills in well-equipped welding and metal-testing laboratories. 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.

Note:- The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month co-op work terms.

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