Diploma in Community Worker (Fast-Track)

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Social Service Worker (Accelerated) is an innovative one-year program (three semesters) designed to guide you in developing the knowledge, values and skills to work directly with a wide range of people in need.

This program stream is available to college and university graduates with a diploma or degree related to the field of social or community work. In this program, you’ll learn to identify and act upon the systemic barriers that can impede access to social and economic justice in today’s society.

Students will examine the expanding professional roles and responsibilities of social service workers in large urban centres and within a rapidly changing society.

In addition to the theoretical models, methods and skills of social service work practice, you will learn about:

• Group facilitation
• Allyship and anti-oppressive practice
• Counselling skills
• Social change and proposal development
• Social innovation
• Mental health
• Substance use and addiction

Many of the Social Service Worker faculty have professional experience with:

• Marginalized communities
• Institutional health and social service organizations
• Federal, provincial and municipal governments
• Research and initiatives in social innovation
• A range of not-for-profit organizations and agencies
• Direct practice with individuals, families, groups and communities

Our Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management program exposes you to current and best practices in:

• Front office
• Food and beverage
• Marketing and sales
• Conferences and catering

You will receive industry certification in food safety, responsible alcohol beverage service and first aid (CPR).
As part of your fourth semester, you will complete a 14-week industry externship. George Brown College 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 that they believe would provide the learning experiences they value, and that meet the learning outcomes of the program. This opportunity will enhance your knowledge with real-world experience and help you start building your network of industry contacts. In addition, you will participate in a hotel operations management simulation as part of your final capstone project, which will allow you to apply your newly acquired skills and learning.

To better hone your international hotel management skills you have the option of participating in an exclusive European Study Tour visiting some of the top hotels in Europe.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs and contributing as a team member.
• Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
• Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales and revenue management strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell hospitality services, products and guest experiences.
• Apply business and revenue models as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering hospitality services and products.
• Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy hospitality operations.
• Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of hospitality services, products and guest experiences and to measure the effectiveness of hospitality operations.
• Keep current with hospitality trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
• Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, labour relations, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of hospitality services, products and guest experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Are you a dynamic person who loves events? Are you looking for an exciting career in a fast-paced industry where every day brings something new?

Our Event Planning program will teach you event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences and trade shows. You will take part in event management opportunities each semester, culminating in a final capstone event and a 14-week externship placement. This experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jumpstart your career in event management.

Students are exposed to industry tactics used in designing, planning, marketing, budgeting, execution and evaluation of events. Management skills, small business development and state of the art technology for the current marketplace is explored. The program is taught online and in class lectures. Group work and individual assignments are highlighted by a capstone project and externship.

Your Field Education Options
This program provides a final capstone event and a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed event management 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 be added to your resumé.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and implement revenue initiatives based on event objectives through methods such as sponsorship programs, grant applications and fundraising initiatives.
  • Plan, design and coordinate effective site and facility operations.
  • Select and use current and relevant principles of marketing to increase the likelihood of success of events.
  • Implement strategies for effective human resource management in the planning and operating of a variety of events.
  • Create, plan and implement effective programming for events.
  • Select and use accounting and financial knowledge and skills to increase the successful operation of events.
  • Identify, select and use appropriate business administration skills in the operation of events.
  • Manage a variety of events using principles of professionalism and ethics in such a manner as to bring about success of the events.
  • Coordinate food and beverage services appropriate to the event.
  • Use principles of sustainability in the management of events.

Pre-Programs:
Pre-programs are post-secondary certificate programs that offer students the opportunity to take courses for career exploration or to qualify for further study. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers and built-in advising and supports, the pre-programs help students strengthen their academic skills and prepare for further course work.

Successful completion of the Hospitality Services (Pre-Hospitality) program prepares students academically for entry into the following Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts programs:

• H100: Culinary Management
• H134: Culinary Skills
• H113: Baking and Pastry Arts Management
• H119: Culinary Management – Nutrition
• H130: Tourism and Hospitality Management
• H131: Special Event Management
• H133: Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management

This unique program has a foundation of Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Culinary Arts courses that are taught by faculty in the Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts. Other important courses include Applied Math and Communications. The program is closely linked to operators of hotels, restaurants and catering companies in Toronto, and includes an industry externship for qualified students.

The program is closely linked to operators of hotels, restaurants and catering companies in Toronto, and includes an industry externship for qualified students.

Academic advisory services, career preparation, student support and success strategies are interwoven throughout the courses.

Note: Successful completion of this program is not a guarantee of admission to any other program, nor is it a requirement of any other program.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Provide hospitality service in a professional manner in order to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Identify and describe the various sectors of the Canadian tourism industry.
  • Use basic mathematic and monetary calculations to assist with the daily functions of a hospitality operation.
  • Assist in the marketing and sales of small and medium sized hospitality operation.
  • Identify and comply with health and safety regulations, legislation, and procedures related to the hospitality industry.
  • Plan and implement personal and professional development strategies related to the hospitality industry.
  • Use current technologies, systems, and computer applications to support daily functions of a hospitality operation.
  • Perform as an entry-level accommodation operations team member in both front and back of the house positions.
  • Perform as an entry-level food and beverage team member in both front and back of the house positions.

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.

Advanced Wine and Beverage Business Management is a one-year, three-semester postgraduate program developed for hospitality diploma and degree graduates, and industry professionals seeking an advanced level of learning focused on all aspects of the wine, spirit and beer business.

In our state-of-the-art tasting labs, students will explore and experience global beverages and their relationship to business, cuisine, culture and lifestyle.

This program will provide you with an advanced level of knowledge in beer, wine, spirits and mixology, and also teach you essential business skills such as financial management, organizational behaviour and strategic marketing – all vital to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.

Your Field Education Options
This program provides a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed work experience opportunities, which they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can be added to your resumé.

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

• Manage different departments within food & beverage centred or sales environment using product knowledge, menu development and business acumen skills.
• Position products appropriately in the market using established techniques in wine merchandising, product pricing, labelling, branding, advertising, promotions, marketing, public relations, media relations consumer behaviour in the wine industry.
• Interpret import and export regulations and recognize opportunities and challenges within the business structures of the wine industry.
• Manage and control different aspects of wine-related enterprises to make effective decisions regarding finance, accounting, budget planning, costing, taxation systems, pricing structures in the wine industry, using analytical and synthesis skills.
• Implement and develop leadership and human resources skills required in the beverage business that include recruitment, motivational strategies, resolution of labour relations issues and the management of related challenges and responsibilities including culturally sensitive material.
• Use current and relevant business strategies to facilitate a sustainable hospitality entity.

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.

This program was developed to enable integrated learning involving you, the college and our industry partners. It was created to meet the immediate industry need for highly skilled Culinary Management graduates with real-world kitchen experience and chef training.

In this program, you will work toward a Culinary Management diploma in four consecutive semesters. While this program is designed to deliver the same learning outcomes as Culinary Management (H100), you will also benefit from semesters 3 and 4, which are integrated directly with industry.

In the first semester, you will learn the fundamental culinary skills and theories required to work in a modern kitchen, as well as essential industry employability skills such as communications and mathematics for hospitality. In the second semester, you will develop more advanced culinary skills and broaden your food, wine, and culinary culture knowledge as you prepare to enter your field placements.

In the third semester, you will experience the culinary industry first-hand during your residency at our state-of-the-art learning facilities, The Chefs’ House and The Café, where you will work alongside emerging top talent while serving a public of discerning urban diners. This experience is concurrent with in-class and online theory-based Chef School courses to support your learning and development.

In the fourth semester, you will complete your studies with an integrated 14-week industry residency at one of our leading culinary and hospitality industry partners, concurrent with online theory-based courses. The online asynchronous learning forum affords the opportunity for either local or international placements.

This integrated program is ideal for self-motivated individuals who want to increase their culinary industry employability prospects upon graduation.

Community Worker (Fast-Track) is a dynamic social justice program grounded in the principles of and respect for human rights and anti-oppression practice. Students are prepared to work with largely urban-centred, diverse communities across a range of issues (i.e. poverty, housing, food-justice, immigration and settlement, etc.) in ways that are responsive to their multiple and changing needs.

If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, bring a mature and professional approach to your education and field work, and are prepared to take on a course load of 20+ hours per week, this program is for you.

What can you expect from the Community Worker (Fast-Track) program?

• The three-semester Community Worker (Fast-Track) program combines classroom instruction with supervised field placements. Theory, analysis and practice are presented through a variety of innovative instructional tools developed from popular education and learner-centred approaches to teaching and learning.
• Highly participatory classes of dialogue, debate, activities, interactive lectures, guest speakers and panels, and group work provide students with a program of study that is current, exciting and critically engaging.

What key skills will you learn?
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:

• Anti-oppressive and intercultural practice in working with diverse populations (including youth, immigrant communities, Indigenous populations)
• Critical analysis, research and writing
• Group facilitation and leadership
• Individual and group counselling
• Conflict mediation and restorative justice
• Community organizing, activism and advocacy
• Community development, project design and proposal writing
• Policy analysis and rights-based advocacy

Features of the Community Worker program include:

• Strong ties with over 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• Founder and lead organizer of the annual Tommy Douglas Institute that brings communities, students, educators and activists together to explore higher education and social justice in the 21st century.
• The full-time Community Worker (C101) program has been graduating community workers for more than 40 years.

Program courses are organized into four core areas:

• Community work theory and practice
• Social and political analysis
• Group skills and counselling
• Field placement and seminar

Not only will you develop relationships with our community partners through field placements, you will also meet with sector professionals in your classrooms at networking events, guest panels and program electives taught by agencies and practitioners currently working in the field (i.e. Community Legal Issues, Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Perspectives in Community Development, Housing and Homelessness).

Who are the Community Worker (Fast-Track) faculty?
The experienced educators that make up our faculty bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. Coming from backgrounds in local, national and global activism, they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists and organizations.

What kind of students enrol in the Community Worker (Fast-Track) program?
Graduates from other degrees and diploma programs interested in learning more about social justice and community development enrol in this program. Our students are a diverse group of students with broad social and community experiences.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Establish constructive relationships with individuals concerned with community work.
  • Describe their personal values and motivation as a community worker.
  • Serve in a variety of grassroots community organizations especially in the areas of co-operatives, seniors and community legal services.
  • Be comfortable in community work roles ranging from direct service to classical advocacy and organizing.
  • Understand and articulate the special needs of multicultural groups.
  • Analyze social inequalities and demonstrate creativity in the organization of new services and institutions to meet community needs.
  • Work with groups to identify their own needs.
  • Access existing services and community resources.

The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program is open to both Deaf and non-deaf students and provides intensive preparation in:

• American Sign Language (ASL) and English
• an orientation to Deaf culture
• current social issues affecting Deaf people
• The curriculum combines:

Opportunities to learn and practice ASL

• Classroom teaching about the structure and features of ASL
• Students will have the opportunity to:

Learn, understand and participate in basic conversations in ASL

• Develop stronger skills in spoken and written English
• Develop a basic understanding of the role of the ASL-English Interpreter

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

• Communicate effectively in oral and written English.
• Express and receive messages accurately in routine conversations using American Sign Language.
• Apply basic knowledge of Deaf culture, the Deaf community, and the interpreter profession.