Diploma in Community Worker (Fast-Track)

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Social Service Worker is an innovative program that provides students with an opportunity to learn theoretical models, approaches to practice, group facilitation, mental health supports, social innovation and anti-oppressive practice. This two-year program combines in-class learning with field placement.

This is an approved education program by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Program Learning Outcomes
The Ministry of Trainining, Colleges and Universities program standards apply to all Social Service Worker Diploma Programs delivered by OCAAT institutions.

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service works.
  • Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
  • Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
  • Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities and meeting these needs.
  • Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
  • Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
  • Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
  • Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
  • Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
  • Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
  • Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.

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.

The George Brown College Financial Planning graduate certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of financial services.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
• Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
• Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return
• Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings
• Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation
• Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client's exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks
• Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner
• Prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a complex client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession.
  • Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
  • Prepare accurate and relevant financial plans manually and electronically.
  • Integrate economic and personal information necessary for effective financial planning decisions.
  • Compare, contrast, and select, from appropriate financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for the public according to industry standards, including taxation counselling.
  • Effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, following up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business.
  • Recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation.
  • Identify and apply written and verbal client-focused communication styles and strategies.
  • Research market opportunities and implement a business plan in support of client needs, as well as student career choices.
  • Qualify to challenge the Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) and to be fully licensed with the IIROC/MFDA.
  • Provide recommendations and options to the public for managing risk involving life and health insurance products.

George Brown College offers the only four-year Culinary Management bachelor's degree in Canada. With the continuing growth of the culinary and food industry, there is a need for professionals who can marry detailed gastronomic knowledge, advanced management skills and the level of business acumen required to work in modern Canadian kitchens and food companies.

H316 is a bridge pathway into the H315 Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) program, specifically designed for graduates of Culinary Management diploma programs. Graduates of these diploma programs may be eligible to enter the third year of the degree upon successful completion of six bridge courses.

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) meets industry demand by preparing students with the depth and breadth of knowledge commensurate with an honours level, undergraduate commerce degree specializing in culinary management. Combining commerce, culinary, food studies and externship experiences, this degree program prepares graduates for kitchen, operations management or food development positions. Throughout our culinary management degree, students will gain an understanding of eight key areas:

• Culinary Proficiency.
• Culinary Theory.
• Accounting and Finance.
• Marketing and Communications.
• Human Resources and Risk Management.
• Specialized Business.
• Research.
• General Knowledge (Liberal Studies).

Your Field Education Options
Take part in a unique and robust externship. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the program's learning outcomes. This valuable work experience can be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and customers. 

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Distinguish among and apply current practices from industry and scholarship relating to accounting, marketing, customer service, human resources, supply chain management, health and safety, costing and pricing, hospitality and risk management.
• Identify, appraise and/or apply various methods, skills, tools and systems used in a variety of disciplines related to culinary practice and study.
• Research and analyze societal, environmental, cultural, economic, culinary and/or market demands at local, regional and international levels.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a diverse culinary management team in order to develop strategies to realize organizational objectives in a variety of food service environments.
• Drawing on fields of study and practice, develop and manage strategic partnerships, customer service and relationships.
• Plan and execute fundamental contemporary cooking techniques that reflect an advanced knowledge of food theory and practice, nutrition and professional systems used in the culinary industry.
• Use management theories and methodologies in order to provide recommendations for realizing organizational objectives specific to different kinds of culinary operations.
• Develop a new food product, business and/or event, in order to facilitate market realization.
• Apply advanced management techniques and theories to support large-scale, multi-unit culinary operations.
• Monitor changing practices and evolving knowledge related to culinary management to select strategies for lifelong learning and professional advancement in the field of study.
• Examine personal strengths, weaknesses and knowledge limitations in order to develop strategies that promote growth and build leadership potential.
• Communicate information and concepts using advanced verbal and written skills that reflect disciplinary norms.
• Use qualitative and/or quantitative information to develop cogent arguments, make sound judgments and apply concepts, principles and techniques that inform or enhance diverse types of culinary operations.

The food sector is always changing, particularly when it comes to hospitality and culinary arts. This constant change has reinforced the need for a more holistic approach to culinary education – one that allows students to examine the food system while mastering a variety of culinary techniques.

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing field. It offers extensive career pathways for foodservice professionals, while providing the food sector with leaders who can thrive in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking.

Toronto provides a unique setting for this program because of its wealth of multicultural and Indigenous food traditions. In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement focused on the application of culinary and food animation skills. In addition, throughout the program, selected courses will include community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate the interconnected structures and functions of food systems at the local, national and international levels.
• Analyze social, cultural, political and environmental influences on current and emerging food-related theory, policy and practice.
• Recommend informed responses to both practical and scholarly issues and challenges using insights from food systems theory and the study of global cuisine.
• Acquire foundational culinary skill proficiency and operational knowledge appropriate to entry into the culinary industry.
• Integrate a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems perspective into culinary theory and practice.
• Construct coherent arguments to address debates within the broad field of food studies.
• Appraise research methodologies used across disciplines related to food studies.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats appropriate to academic, government, non-profit, business and media environments.
• Articulate how uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge influence perception and interpretation of debates in food studies and consider issues from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility in personal and professional settings related to food.

George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) is the first degree of its kind in Canada. Developed to address the growing demand for qualified Sign Language Interpreters, this degree helps prepare graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional, facilitating communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition, short-term and long-term memory, cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters. This program focuses on seven areas of learning:

• Language and Culture
• Field Fundamentals
• Interpreting Skills
• Research Methods/Trends
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Breadth Electives
• Field and Community Experience

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

• a strong command of both English and American Sign Language
• an excellent memory
• the ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
• the ability to process and analyze information quickly (cognitive processing skills)
• multitasking ability
• versatility
• a willingness to be flexible
• strong communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Analyze and critically apply current interpreting research trends as they inform meaning-based interpreting practices.
  • Analyze the power dynamics that affect human communication including the impact of the interpreter’s decisions and influence.
  • Respect cross-cultural needs of participants in an interpreted interaction in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Articulate societal views of Deaf culture, the Deaf community, multiculturalism, oppression, audism, global history of Deaf people, sign language linguistics and language variations.
  • Use current research literature to analyze key issues relating to the practice and profession of interpreting.
  • Determine appropriate modes of interpreting using evidence-based practice, effective interpersonal and professional skills.
  • Perform effectively as an interpreter by incorporating current research and recognizing contextual factors including language and culture.
  • Perform accurate and effective translations, consecutive and simultaneous interpretations.
  • Use communicative language abilities in first and second language as required to accommodate specific dialogic interactions.
  • Use professional and ethical judgment in decision making while respecting diversity, equity, equality and rights of all participants.
  • Engage in life-long learning and reflective professional development.
  • Assess personal competencies and limitations in the use of multicultural and multi-contextual approaches to communication.

The Advanced Butchery and Charcuterie postgraduate certificate will provide students with strong foundational knowledge in the theory of butchery and the science of raw, cured and fermented, and cooked charcuterie. In your classes and out on externship, students will butcher, prepare and taste Indigenous, local and international fresh, cooked and cured fish and meat products.

The curriculum will consist of two semesters of classes and one semester of externship. Weekly classes will be divided into three days of two-hour theory classes followed by four hours of lab practice. Students will focus on sustainability, team building and communication skills to create such products as wild game sausages, Genoa salami and pâté en croûte. Students will develop a portfolio that documents carcass and recipe yields and monitors cured and fermented production.

After successful completion of this program, graduates will have Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) related to inventory control, sanitation, health and safety, and be able to practice within the regulatory framework of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As a final skills demonstration, students will present a capstone project to industry partners for feedback and assessment.  

This program draws on the expertise of industry leaders and sector employers, drawing on partners such as Meat and Poultry Ontario, Sanagan's Meat Locker, La Cultura Salumi, grocery partners, meat and charcuterie based restaurants and many others.

Your Field Education Options
As part of the program, you will complete a 14-week industry externship. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities within Culinary Management that align with their personal career goals and that meet the program's learning outcomes. This practical work experience will enhance your resumé and your value to employers.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Butcher a variety of animals using artisanal, local and international techniques for different applications.
• Execute federal Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the production of butchery and charcuterie.
• Create a variety of international raw, cooked and cured meats and fish products in accordance with restaurant and wholesale regulations.
• Communicate the scientific processes, using the appropriate terminology, throughout the production stages of charcuterie.
• Integrate social, environmental, and economic sustainability into planning, preparation and sale of charcuterie.
• Determine the profitability of charcuterie in terms of labour, product control, packaging and shelf life.
• Differentiate among raw, cured and cooked products using sensory analysis.

The Media Foundation program offers students the chance to explore a variety of media career options while developing the skills necessary to succeed in diploma and advanced diploma media programs. It includes courses in game design and development, photography and image manipulation, storytelling, audio production, interactive media and visual storytelling techniques.

The Portfolio class offered in semester two will help students create a portfolio, which can be used to submit for further studies in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Game - Art and Video Design & Production and other college and university programs requiring a portfolio for admission.

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

• Develop creative concepts and ideas through a variety of techniques and in a range of formats.
• Choose appropriate tools, techniques and applications to create media assets and presentations.
• Incorporate researched opinions expressed in mainstream and social media technologies into presentations and reports.
• Utilize current and relevant search strategies and techniques for information fact-finding.
• Apply industry practices to written proposals and print documents, visual storyboards, and interactive presentations.
• Choose visual strategies, historical concepts and precedents in the analysis of past and present trends.
• Create original photographs and videos through a variety of techniques and processes.
• Choose appropriate narrative structures and vocabularies to analyze media and evaluate meaning, coherence, connections and effectiveness.
• Utilize a variety of industry standard audio/video software applications and techniques in the creation of media for a wide range of platforms.
• Use a variety of current industry-standard media tools and techniques to develop self-promotional materials.

In today’s rapidly changing business world, organizations are realizing that their greatest asset is their employees and that effective people management is a key factor in their overall success. The Business Administration – Human Resources (with work experience) program will provide you with a practical approach to human resources management, preparing you for a variety of careers within this exciting and growing field. You will learn how to:

• Design human resources policies and programs that adhere to employment legislation
• Attract, retain and develop a productive workforce
• Manage employee diversity
• Ensure health and safety at the workplace
• Advise on employee/labour relations

Our program enables you to work towards obtaining the professional designations offered through the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario (HRPA). For information about obtaining professional designations in HR, please contact the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario.

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

• Contribute to the planning and implementation of employee recruitment, selection, and retention strategies.
• Administer and facilitate the performance management program.
• Coordinate and support the development, implementation, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
• Implement and support effective employee and labour relations strategies in both non-union and union environments.
• Administer and communicate the organization’s total compensation plan.
• Collaborate with others in the implementation and monitoring of organizational health and safety policies and practices.
• Contribute to the identification of information needs and apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
• Contribute to organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
• Present and evaluate communication messages and processes related to the human resources function of the organization.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
• Identify and communicate the human resources component of the organization’s business plan.
• Contribute to the collection, analysis, and utilization of human resources data.

YOUR FIELD STUDY OPTIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of work term experience to graduate. This work experience is either Co-op (paid) or Internship (unpaid). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value.
George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program.

Students in the Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management (with work experience) advanced diploma program will be prepared to perform marketing forecasting, demand management, production planning and other functions in supply chain management, in careers that include logistics, transportation, warehousing, exporting, procurement, planning and forecasting. The supply chain management courses in this program will allow graduates to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities related to both business in general and supply chain jobs in particular.

This learning experience will enable graduates to demonstrate:

• Analysis of the impact of an organization's supply chain initiatives on its human resources management strategies, policies and practices
• Compliance of an organization with relevant national and internal law, regulations, safety requirements and professional standards
• Application of the knowledge of the functional components in the integrated supply chain including logistics, purchasing, distribution, transportation and warehousing
• Use of supply chain tools and resources, in order to comply with the requirements of supply chain management
• Interpretation of relevant financial documents and assessment of financial strategies that support an organization's supply chain

This Centre for Business program (B162) is part of our School of Management and is offered with Work Experience. Students wishing to apply for Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management without work experience should apply to B122.

Your Field Education Options
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of work experience to graduate. This work experience is either co-op (paid) or internship (unpaid). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value.

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

In addition to on-the-job work experience, 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 STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Examine the connections between strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and supply chain functions, processes and roles, to support decision-making, problem-solving and coordination of tasks.
  • Determine the value added and financial implications of supply chain decisions on overall business profitability, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Ensure supply chain activities and transactions are compliant with relevant legal, regulatory and contractual obligations, and industry and organization standards and policies for quality, health, safety, accountability, social and environmental responsibility.
  • Use risk mitigation tools and strategies to inform supply chain management decisions.
  • Manage the acquisition and sale of goods, services and materials in accordance with best practices and public and private sector stakeholder expectations across a variety of industries.
  • Plan and schedule material requirements and resource allocation and manage inventories for efficient production and fulfillment of customer orders and returns.
  • Manage the efficient handling and movement of goods, services, materials and related information within and between supply chains.
  • Contribute to the identification and management of continuous improvements to functions and processes within and between supply chains.
  • Use available technologies to enhance work performance and support supply chain functions, processes, transactions and communications.
  • Monitor relevant trends, emerging technologies, and local and global economic, political and environmental issues to enhance work performance and guide management decisions.
  • Perform tasks in accordance with policies and procedures for workplace health and safety and industry standards and best practices for professional, ethical and accountable conduct and communications.
  • Maintain relationships with a diversity of stakeholders to support the achievement of business goals.
  • Apply strategies for personal, career and professional development.