Certificate in Hospitality Services

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

The Consulting postgraduate program prepares students for a career in consulting that could include working for a consulting firm, independently creating their own employment, or securing a business development role within an organization. Digital Transformation and the theories behind Digital Transformation are core frameworks for the first academic semester of the program. The second semester is a mix of client consulting project work and workshops further exploring consulting in a world continuously undergoing digital transformation. Students develop knowledge and skills by working individually and/or in teams, doing research, analyzing client problems and providing recommendations to real clients through our Consulting Hub.

Your Field Education Options

• Students will engage in various consulting projects in their second semester to gain experience and demonstrate:
  • Development of parameters of a consulting project and building a client/consultant relationship
  • Creation and implementation of a project plan for the term of a consulting engagement
  • Preparation and implementation of the terms of reference and contracts for the term of the consulting engagement, including billing and payment schedules
  • Performing an environmental audit (external and internal) and conducting market research to diagnose the client problem(s)
  • Use of a range of consulting tools and techniques including: interviewing, research, and collaborative problem solving during the consulting process
  • Development and modelling of soft skills such as teamwork, customer service, communications and problem solving during the consulting process
  • Assessing the change readiness of the client’s organization through the use of change management skills and processes
  • Completing a client consulting project including contracting, data collection and analysis, recommendations and, as appropriate, implementation to the satisfaction of the client

George Brown College endeavours to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Establish the parameters of a consulting project and build a client/consultant relationship.
  • Create and implement a project plan for the term of a consulting engagement.
  • Prepare and implement terms of reference and contracts for the term of the consulting engagement, including billing and payment schedules.
  • Perform an environmental audit (internal and external) and conduct market research to diagnose the client problem(s)
  • Use a range of consulting tools and techniques including: interviewing, research, collaborative problem solving during the consulting process.
  • Develop and model soft skills such as teamwork, customer service, communications and problem solving during the consulting process.
  • Assess the change readiness of the client’s organization through the use of change management skills and processes.
  • Complete a client consulting project including contracting, data collection and analysis and recommendations and as appropriate implementation to the satisfaction of the client.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program prepares students to perform at a level that will assist them in gaining entry to a Health Sciences program at George Brown College, including Practical Nursing. It also gives students a basic understanding of social sciences and human relations. This helps them relate to people at college in further studies and at work in health care institutions or with health care providers. Throughout the program, students study biology and chemistry. Other courses include applied math, communications and general education electives.

This program is your passport to grow and enhance your culinary skill set with a specialization in international cuisine. Demonstrations, lectures and hands-on practice will teach you the fundamental skills for a successful career that allows you to work in a wide variety of today’s leading culinary establishments. You will explore culinary skills related to appetizers, entrees, snacks and desserts from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Throughout this program you will:

• Experience hands-on learning, participate in field trips to spice markets, learn about international beverages, build your knowledge in international cuisine and learn how culture influences cuisine.
• Have the opportunity to complete a unique international placement.
• Build and display a comprehensive portfolio that showcases the knowledge you have learned throughout the program.

Build a portfolio of your experience in Canada and internationally with specialized skills and knowledge that differentiates you from others in the industry.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Plan and prepare authentic menus and food by using culinary techniques indigenous to international regions of focus.
• Communicate in an international culinary environment using appropriate terminology and customs in order to integrate as a member of the team.
• Interpret nuances in gastronomic regionality through research and field experience.
• Execute culinary dishes that reflect regional and cultural authenticity using alternative, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Comply with Canadian health, safety and nutrition regulations, standards, guidelines and processes.
• Develop a marketing plan for a regionally specific food service operation or product concept that reflects relevant cultural norms.

The field of International Business encompasses a variety of disciplines including finance, sales, marketing and human resources. Consequently Business Administration – International Business program graduates will be prepared to perform in a variety of specialized areas such as international market entry and distribution, international trade management, international negotiation and trade research, international marketing, international trade finance, planning, logistics, legal aspects of international trade and other functions related to business in general and international business in particular. Graduates of this program will have demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities related to international business, and will have prepared for careers that include negotiators, freight forwarders, logistics and marketing.

You will learn about:-

• Documents and procedures supporting the movement of products and services in a global supply chain
• Statutory and regulatory compliance
• International payment instruments and options
• Foreign exchange strategies
• Human resource strategies in an international operation

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conduct an environmental scan to evaluate the impact of world issues on an organization’s international business opportunities.
• Conduct, evaluate and present market research to support an organization’s international business decision-making.
• Prepare and analyze documentation and follow procedures to support the movement of products and services in the organization’s global supply chain.
• Analyze the impact of statutory and regulatory compliance on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to negotiate effectively within various cultural environments and to address the impact of cultural differences on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Develop and present an international marketing plan, and evaluate sales strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Identify and interpret relevant international financial documents and assess financial strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Analyze the impact of an organization's integrative trade initiatives on its human resources management strategies, policies, and practices.
• Develop and present an international business plan.
• Plan, implement and evaluate team projects by applying project management principles.
• Analyze principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics, and apply them to an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Select and apply current technologies to support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
• Develop and present a plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance within the international business field.

This advanced diploma Business Administration – Marketing program will open doors to opportunities in the exciting and fast-moving field of marketing. Marketing at George Brown in Toronto is more than textbooks and lectures. Our learning is hands-on and project-based, and this program provides opportunities for case studies as well as real-world projects that can involve industry partners.

What differentiates the three-year advanced diploma from the two-year diploma is the additional opportunities for hands-on learning as well as digital marketing courses, international marketing courses, marketing research courses, and marketing strategy courses. You can also expand your horizons with additional business electives.

This learning experience will enable you to:

• Develop an integrated marketing communication strategy for marketing products, concepts, goods, or services based on an identified target market
• Conduct primary and secondary market research to provide information needed to make marketing decisions
• Develop strategies to establish effective working relationships with clients, customers, consumers, co-workers, supervisors, and others
• Evaluate the viability of marketing products, concepts, goods, or services in an international market or markets
• Formulate and prepare a marketing plan including marketing objectives, marketing mix, marketing strategies, budgetary considerations, and evaluation criteria
• Integrate digital marketing and social media into a marketing plan with an understanding of various platforms and technologies

Embedded in all of the above will be the development of soft skills including communication, presentation and team-building skills, as well as the analytical skills required by marketers today.

George Brown College actively works with industry partners in order to:-

• Align the curriculum to industry needs
• Provide students with hands-on learning through class projects
• Offer students field education opportunities
• Participation in extracurricular activities allows students to build on their knowledge and skills while networking. This is one of many ways that our School of Marketing helps 

Participation in extracurricular activities allows students to build on their knowledge and skills while networking. This is one of many ways that our School of Marketing helps students get a great return on all that they invest in their business education. Activities may include:

• Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition
• Vanier BDC Case Challenge
• Enactus George Brown
• Speed Mentoring event
• Great Canadian Sales Competition
• Ad Week

Your Field Education Options
Students have the option of earning a business elective credit with the Field Education Course (BUS 1067).

This program (B108) is also offered with work experience. Students who wish to apply for Business Administration – Marketing with Work Experience should apply to B158.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop a marketing plan that will meet the needs or goals of a business or organization.
  • Develop an integrated marketing communication plan for marketing of a product, concept, good, or service based on an identified market need or target.
  • Determine strategies for the development of new and/or modified marketing concepts, products, goods, and/or services that respond to evolving market needs.
  • Determine strategies for the efficient and effective placement/distribution of a product, good, and/or service that respond to an evolving market.
  • Determine the impact of using different marketing strategies for a product, concept, good and/or service, on the finances, return on investment (ROI), and business goals of an organization.
  • Analyze the viability of a concept, product, good, and/or service in local, national or global markets.
  • Conduct market research to provide information needed to make marketing decisions.
  • Communicate marketing information persuasively and accurately in oral, written, graphic and interactive media formats.
  • Plan, prepare and deliver an effective sales presentation or pitch to address the needs of the client.
  • Develop strategies with clients, customers, consumers, co-workers, supervisors, and others to maintain and grow working relationships
  • Develop learning and development strategies to enhance professional growth in the field.
  • Apply entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new career opportunities that might include contract employment, and self-employment initiatives.
  • Apply and contribute to a framework of organizational policies and practices, when conducting business of the organization.
  • Apply the principles of business ethics and corporate social responsibility to business decisions.

This fast-track program is designed for students with a two-year Hospitality diploma or degree in a related field wishing to pursue a degree in business focusing on hospitality.

Qualified applicants who have completed one of the following diploma programs may be eligible:

• Food and Beverage Management (H132)
• Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management (H133)
• Special Events Management (H131)
• Tourism and Hospitality Management (H130)

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) (Fast-Track) students will complete a bridging semester from May to August and then go on to complete all outstanding credits toward their degree. This pathway will give students an opportunity to earn a degree credential in two additional years plus the one summer semester, or more, depending on the total transferable credits granted (please see ’How to Qualify and Apply’ section for specific admission requirements).

The program is designed to teach you how to plan and manage complex integrated hospitality operations so that you can become one of the skilled, knowledgeable leaders the hospitality sector is pursuing. The employment prospects in this sector are outstanding. In Canada, the hospitality industry employs more than 1.2 million people, representing over 7 per cent of all employment In the Greater Toronto Area alone, the hospitality sector accounts for almost 329,000 jobs.

A Comprehensive Curriculum:-
The curriculum has been developed to prepare students for management, supervisory and administrative careers through training in analysis and problem-solving, critical thinking, integrated operations, customer management and international applications. Students will become technically proficient in the major components of a hospitality business, including operational processes, finance, human resources, facilities, risk management, research, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

In addition, the curriculum is designed to:-

• Provide flexible student learning- Courses are offered in online and in-class hybrid format throughout the program to accommodate the paid work placements. Semester 7 is delivered completely online.
• Integrate knowledge and practical applications developed through projects and experiential learning in two paid work placements.
• Build strong management abilities, with every student working on projects individually and with team members.

Applied Learning – Benefit from Hands-on Training:-
Co-operative education is an important component of this degree program. Students spend two paid summer terms working full-time in industry, giving them a chance to apply the knowledge they have acquired in a real-life, hands-on situation. Students obtain practical experience and further develop their skills – an asset for our graduates and their future employers. Students also establish valuable contacts with potential employers, and many graduates find full-time employment with their co-op employer.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (A108) program prepares you to gain entry to health science programs at a college or university. You will develop your knowledge and skills in communication, mathematics, human anatomy, biology, physics, and organic/inorganic chemistry so that you are well-prepared for the rigours of a degree or advanced diploma program. This program contains advanced level English and elective courses that may be eligible for transfer credits in other programs where applicable.

As a graduate from this program, you are eligible to apply to the following advanced diploma programs at George Brown College:

• Dental Hygiene
• Denturism
• Dental Technology
• Hearing Instrument Specialist

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will spend 250 hours with a non-profit community partner (Mondays and Tuesdays, January – April) and will typically engage in introductory activities, such as shadowing staff, conducting outreach, fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. First-year placements vary and can include sites that focus on public education, food banks, drop-ins and political action work, but are generally not frontline positions.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct 1-to-1 survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management, and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide frontline support.

The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catherines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  • Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  • Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  • Facilitate groups for women and children.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  • Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  • Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  • Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  • Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  • Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.

Career Development Practitioner is a three-semester (one-year) graduate certificate program that prepares graduates to enter the career development sector. The program may also appeal to practitioners working in the field who want to gain additional formal training and job coaching experience. The career development sector includes non-profit/community-based, government, post-secondary and private/corporate organizations.

The key objective of the field is to assist clients to be self-sufficient in career exploration, skill acquisition, job search and maintenance. Career Development Practitioners coach and counsel others on:

• Job search
• Career planning
• Career choice and change
• Academic and training advising
• Identifying and meeting staffing needs

Practitioners may work with specialized and diverse groups such as:

• Youth
• Women
• People with disabilities
• Immigrants and refugees

This program has been designed to meet the changing needs of the sector and will help meet demand for trained Career Development Practitioners in the GTA and beyond.

What key skills and knowledge will you gain?

• Emerging trends and techniques in job search and career exploration
• Individual and group facilitation/counselling
• Job development and employer engagement
• Ethics and professional practice
• Career development theory
• Diversity, accessibility, equity and inclusion
• Use of technology and social media
• Career and employment information resources
• Employment legislation and programs

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Apply evidence-­based career development practices in advising diverse client groups.
• Utilize self­-reflective and critical thinking skills to enhance counselling, teaching and learning strategies with groups and individuals.
• Develop a commitment to ongoing professional development to actively respond to changing labour market and professional requirements.
• Integrate appropriate career information resources and tools with career and employment strategies to enable clients to meet their employment goals.
• Perform needs assessments and develop subsequent interventions using techniques and skills that enable diverse ranges of clients to meet employment goals.
• Design consulting, advising and teaching strategies that incorporate trends and issues of the changing labour market to assist clients in job search and career transitions.
• Integrate emergent technologies into the full spectrum of Career Development processes and applications to maximize service delivery to clients navigating changing labour market requirements.
• Adhere to relevant legislation and social policy to plan programs, interventions and referrals for client groups.
• Use current work search tools and strategies to facilitate successful client job search.

The Food Tourism Entrepreneurship graduate certificate prepares graduates to create "tastes of place" experiences that support local economies by fostering relationships between stakeholders in agriculture, hospitality and tourism. Exploring the geography of food and beverage, students will learn to develop partnerships to communicate and market unique experiences that emphasize sustainability and transparency. Graduates may find career opportunities at local and international tourism attractions, culinary travel groups/associations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, distillers, agricultural destinations, destination marketing and development organizations, and government agencies, in roles such as Culinary Tourism Program Manager, Marketing Travel Consultant and Conference Services Manager. 

The Food Tourism Entrepreneurship program will prepare graduates to harness local economies and cultures of food and drink production and consumption, and channel them into successful and resilient tourism “experience” enterprises. Geared towards diploma and degree graduates who want to specialize in food tourism development and entrepreneurship, this three-semester program builds on the strengths of George Brown's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and our Chef School. Business graduates may also be interested in pathways in this field.

Students will learn to:

• Connect and work with businesses, communities and associations in municipal, regional, provincial, national and international locations.
• Support local economies by fostering relationships with stakeholders in agriculture, hospitality, tourism and agritourism.
• Bring creative entrepreneurship skills to the small and medium businesses that make up the food tourism sector.
• Continue to provide consumers with "taste of place" experiences that build on new business models and opportunities.
• Develop the partnerships and tools to generate, capture, communicate and market unique experiences that speak to consumer values of sustainability and traceability.

The first two semesters of this program each include six courses provided through hybrid delivery. The third semester includes six online hours per week plus work-integrated learning, an independent study project and an experiential learning trip.