Graduate Certificate in Food Tourism Entrepreneurship

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Do you want to learn Italian cooking? Join this specialized Italian culinary and culture program; learn from the experts here in Canada and live, learn and work in Italy too! Acquire the techniques that make Italian cuisine famous around the world. Experience the special connection between food and life in Italy. Embrace the kitchen experiences and courses in Italian art and culture that will deepen your understanding of this great tradition. The Culinary Arts – Italian postgraduate program delivers this and more.

Through this program, you will:

• Experience hands-on learning in both Canada and Italy with the pre-eminent Italian chef professors in the country.
• Build your knowledge of Italian culinary traditions and embrace emerging trends in Italian cuisine.
• Benefit from our partnership with ALMA, the world-famous Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana, near Parma, Italy, which is one of Italy’s finest chef schools.
• Experience the vineyards, cheese producers and local markets of Italy as your open-air classroom.
• Study in some of the best restaurants and hotels in Italy where you will get attention, training and an inspiring experience.

You will put theory into practice as you are showcased alongside Italian top talent and serve discerning urban diners in the heart of Toronto’s culinary scene. After your experiences in Italy, showcase what you’ve learned at The Chefs' House, George Brown's signature restaurant.

This program has a long-standing reputation for excellence among Italian restaurateurs in Toronto and beyond, which will make you a sought-after employee when you graduate. “Che bello.”

Program Schedule

The schedule for the Culinary Arts – Italian postgraduate program currently operates from Monday to Friday.

Note: some classes may begin at 7 a.m. and others may run until 10 p.m.

Your Field Education Options
Study in some of the best restaurants and hotels in Italy where you will get attention, training and an inspiring experience. 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 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 clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Create and implement an authentic Italian menu including food preparation and service, and the selection of wines that reflect the regional differences found in Italy.
  • Converse in basic Italian and use the correct Italian terminology within a culinary operation.
  • Identify, assess and select appropriate food products for authentic Italian Cuisine.
  • Integrate into the Italian culture through the use of language, interpersonal interactions and professional conduct.
  • Prepare Italian cuisine within Canadian and EU Health, Safety and Nutrition regulations, standards, guidelines and processes.
  • Develop and present a marketing plan for a restaurant consistent with regional demographics and culture.

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.

Explosive growth in the hospitality industry has led to larger and more complex hospitality enterprises and increased demand for well-educated professionals with analytical skills capable of leading them. That’s where George Brown’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) comes in.

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 in the hospitality sector. 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[i]. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, the hospitality sector accounts for almost 329,000 jobs[ii].

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, marketing, facilities, risk management, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

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 and leadership abilities, with every student working on projects individually and with team members.

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

• Assess the impact and implications of external environmental factors on the hospitality industry, its sectors, organizations and stakeholders.
• Explain the results of original research that has been conducted using social science research principles and methods.
• Apply management knowledge and technical ability for effective operation and organization of a variety of hospitality enterprises.
• Justify ideas generated, decisions made and actions taken to address business opportunities, challenges, risks and crises.
• Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to support business decisions, operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Present information clearly, concisely, persuasively, professionally and respectfully using appropriate and alternative modes/means of communication in a variety of hospitality contexts and situations.
• Display ethical behaviour and social responsibility in personal and professional pursuits.
• Design creative marketing, sales and customer service strategies for chosen market segments.
• Apply strategies to keep current in the field, respond effectively to change, and support personal and professional development.

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.

Organizations today require engaged, motivated employees who understand how to effectively support organizational goals while enhancing their own skills and knowledge. Becoming a valued advisor to the business is a Human Resources (HR) imperative, and understanding how to effectively demonstrate a set of key behaviours is of utmost importance.

George Brown’s Human Resources Management graduate certificate program comprehensively covers the key HR functions in this exciting field. Taught by seasoned HR professionals with industry experience, the program blends business-related theory and practical application to highlight how HR functions as a strategic partner to business units. Students explore the role of the HR department and the key accountability requirements to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in a work-related setting.

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

• Describe how employment legislation impacts human resources
• Design human resources policies and programs
• Facilitate employee training and development
• Ensure health and safety in the workplace
• Recruit and select employees
• Promote diversity
• Manage performance
• Recommend strategic change initiatives
• Develop a total rewards system
• Manage employee/labour relations
• Create a comprehensive human resources plan

Your Field Education Options
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of one semester of work experience to graduate. This work experience is either co-op (paid) or internship (unpaid). 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.

Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of employee recruitment, selection, and retention plans and processes.
  • Administer and contribute to the design and evaluation of the performance management program.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate employee orientation, training, and development programs.
  • Facilitate and support effective employee and labour relations in both non-union and union environments.
  • Research and support the development and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan.
  • Collaborate with others in the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational health and safety policies and practices.
  • Research and analyze information needs and apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
  • Present and evaluate communication messages and processes related to the human resources function of the organization.
  • Manage own professional development and provide leadership to others in the achievement of ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
  • Facilitate and communicate the human resources component of the organization’s business plan.
  • Conduct research, produce reports, and recommend changes in human resources practices.

The Business – Human Resources program at George Brown College in Toronto provides students with a practical approach to human resources management that prepares them for a variety of careers within this growing field. They will learn 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 Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and retention of employees.
• Participate in performance management processes.
• Participate in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
• Contribute to an organization’s success through effective employee relations.
• Assist with the administration and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan.
• Participate in organizational health and safety policies and practices.
• Apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
• Implement organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
• Communicate human resources information accurately and credibly in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Plan and act on personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
• Identify the human resources component of a business plan.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of human resources data.

The Business Administration – Finance advanced diploma program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the financial services sector. The financial services sector continues to grow and adapt to the needs of clients through the use of technology. People with customer service skills and knowledge of financial planning, call centre operations, investments and risk management are needed in this fast-paced environment.

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 client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above.

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

• Co-ordinate the processing and maintaining of financial records in compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
• Co-ordinate the preparation and the presentation of financial information in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
• Analyze financial reports for individuals and/or organizations by applying financial mathematics and statistics.
• Develop and evaluate a financial plan to meet individuals’ and/or organizations’ needs and objectives.
• Develop, implement, evaluate and co-ordinate marketing strategies to promote financial products and services and to enhance customer service.
• Develop, implement and evaluate strategies to establish and maintain professional networking and business relationships in the finance sector.
• Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technology and the environment on individuals’ and/or organizations’ operations.
• Develop, implement and evaluate ongoing strategies for personal and professional development, highlighting ethics, values and standards in the finance sector.
• Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

• Work Experience (Co-op or Internship) Required

YOUR FIELD STUDY OPTIONS
Work experience (Co-op and Internship): 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 will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program.

The Business Administration – Accounting (with work experience) three-year advanced diploma provides you with the knowledge and skills required to perform a range of complex accounting functions including financial analysis, planning and control as well as using analytical and evaluation skills to support management functions, and collaborating in the design of an organization's internal control systems. The program includes auditing, corporate taxation, law and strategic management.

This learning experience will enable you to build and demonstrate:

• Proficiency in spreadsheets, databases and accounting software programs
• Essential communication skills for advising business owners and managers on business decisions
• Ability to perform accounting transactions in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Note:-This program (B157) is offered with work experience. Students wishing to apply for Business Administration – Accounting without work experience should apply to B107.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
  • Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
  • Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced management accounting concepts.
  • Prepare individuals' and Canadian-controlled private corporations’ income tax returns and individuals’ basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
  • Analyze and evaluate organizational structures and the interdependence of functional areas, and contribute to the development of strategies which positively impact financial performance.
  • Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization’s operations.
  • Analyze and evaluate an organization's internal control system, taking risk management into account.
  • Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced financial management concepts.
  • Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

• Work Experience (Co-op or Internship) Required

WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP AND INTERNSHIP)

• 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 will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program.

The Interactive Media Management graduate certificate program responds to a growing need within the design industry for a new skill set – one that crosses the traditional disciplinary boundaries of advertising, industrial, graphic and new media design.

This program empowers designers with the latest real-time interactive tools and technologies. With the integration of these technologies into public and commercial settings, such as museums and retail environments, as well as the education and medical sectors, designers need to be armed with key knowledge of interface design, information visualization and virtual spaces. They have a mission to create friendly systems and interfaces that dramatically improve the lives of consumers and sellers alike.

The program combines design education with software instruction and hands-on workshops to configure interactive design strategies using existing and emerging display technologies. You will be exposed to best practice examples and real-world models. You are encouraged to generate a unique design strategy and test it through an applied project directed toward the development of a fully functional, interactive demonstration prototype ready for a public audience.

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

• Facilitate effective completion of both individual and collaborative interactive media projects.
• Use and evaluate best practices and tools to design and develop dynamic, rich-­media content.
• Conduct and evaluate a thorough assessment of the requirements of a complex interactive media project.
• Coordinate the development, budgeting, planning and professional presentation of a complex interactive media project.
• Design and coordinate a complex media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using best practice design and development principles and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
• Manage the building of effective and dynamic complex websites and/or mobile applications.
• Propose solutions to ethical and professional issues arising in an online environment.
• Apply research and conceptual skills to propose optimal solutions for mobile/multimedia/web development problems and facilitate these skills within the project team.
• Provide creative leadership that results in the effective design, development and implementation of complex interactive media projects.
• Evaluate the financial, technical and artistic success of a complex interactive media project and present recommendations for improvement.

The Video Design & Production program will prepare future professionals with the skills required in this emerging field by merging traditional filmmaking techniques with new mediums and distributive methodologies. Graduates will be armed with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that will enable them to decide which path (employment or self-employment) is best for them. Students will be exposed to elements of both video design and video production including photography, immersive environments and auteurship, as well as the necessary video editing and post-production skills to create video for entertainment, marketing, advertising, education and social network strategies.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Create independent digital film projects according to project specifications using various production techniques.
  • Work effectively as a member of a digital film production team in various capacities and roles.
  • Manage scheduling and budget for digital film productions.
  • Capture quality moving images using appropriate camera/lighting equipment and techniques.
  • Develop a short film and television portfolio to showcase digital filmmaking skills.
  • Write story-driven, visual and cinematic scripts focused on effective dialogue, structure and character development.
  • Record and mix multi-track sound in a digital format using industry standard equipment and software.
  • Market and distribute digital film projects using industry and new media outlets.
  • Edit digital video on non-linear, industry standard software and equipment.