Food Service Worker
The Food Service Worker micro-credential pathway provides students with the knowledge and skills required to be an effective member of a food service team in a commercial, institutional, or long-term care facility. The pathway covers food preparation, service, nutrition and sanitation practices, customer service, communication, and business skills. As part of this pathway, students are required to take a field placement at an institutional food service operation.
The program is made up of 23 micro-credential learning units and six micro-certificates. Students have the choice to take individual learning units or to complete a number of learning units as required for each micro-certificate. If a student completes all 23 micro-credential learning units they do meet the requirements for a Food Service Worker Ontario College Certificate.
Prior Learning
Students with previous education or related experience can apply for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) to accelerate their path to completion by receiving credit for what they already know - this includes the field placement component. Students can meet this component by either completing the field placement or by having their current employer complete a workplace attestation outlining how their work experience meets the learning outcomes for the field placement component.
- 23 micro-credential learning units
- 6 micro-certificates
- 1 Ontario College Certificate - Upon successful completion of all 23 learning units students are eligible to apply to graduate from the Food Service Worker Ontario College Certificate program - admission requirements must be met
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
When Admission Requirements Apply
The admission requirements only apply to students planning on completing the Ontario College Certificate. Students can complete the micro-credential learning units and micro-certificates without meeting the admission requirements.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Earn a Micro-Certificate
Below is a list of Micro-Certificates that are part of the Food Service Worker Pathway. You can complete a micro-certificate by completing the courses included in that grouping.
You can also take individual courses without committing to an entire micro-certificate.
List of Micro-Certificates
Recognize the Health Care System
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to a broad overview of Ontario's healthcare system and the types of housing available for people who are unable to live on their own. Learners will explore the function and services of long-term care homes in Ontario and describe the individuals eligible to live in long term care. Learners will learn how to differentiate between retirement homes, supportive housing models and long-term care. Lastly, learners will explore the goals, mission, and values related to long-term care homes and the foodservice sector.
Adhere to Food Service Worker Standards & Practices
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Food Service Worker standards and practices. Learners will explore the policies and procedures as it relates to the Food Service Worker, and the standards and legislation that apply to the operation of a Long-term Care Home. Learners will also explore the different agencies that monitor and evaluate the quality of care and food services, as well as the standards of evaluation for Long-term Care Homes. Lastly, learners will explore other legislation that affect Food Service Workers including Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
Use Effective Customer Service Skills
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of customer service skills within Long-term Care Homes and the Food Service industry. Learners will explore how an employee's attitude can affect the quality of customer service and best practices needed to deliver quality service. Learners will also learn about the Ministry standards that influence dining room and customer services and the various ways and techniques to personal actions to enhance customer service. Lastly, learners will learn about the importance of pleasurable meal service that follows basic principles of hospitality, including the need to be friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, flexible, and have excellent communication skills.
Use Effective Communication Techniques
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about interpersonal skills and the importance of reflective listening, paraphrasing and two-way communication. Additionally, you will explore barriers and gateways to communication and the difference between defensive and non-defensive communication. You will also learn about workplace communication and the difference between interpersonal and workplace communication skills, including written and verbal communication. Lastly, you will learn about professional writing in the workplace and create memos, reports and emails.
Provide Quality Customer Meal Service
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of quality meal service and the corrective actions taken when food meal preparation and service do not meet standards or policies. Learners will also explore the importance of providing exceptional customer service and quality standards that enhance pleasurable dining experiences within Long-term Care Homes. Additionally, learners will learn the importance of providing for residents' needs and addressing any health concerns they may require during their dining experiences. Lastly, learners will learn about the need for residents' choice and adhering to the nutrition care plan that supports quality meal service and dining experiences.
Handle Conflict and Culture in the Workplace
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about conflict and negotiation and the nature of organizational conflict. You will explore the differences between functional and dysfunctional conflict and the consequences. You will learn about the causes of conflict and the forms of conflict in the organization, the benefits of negotiation, and the five conflict management styles. You will also explore the importance of culture in the workplace and developing cross-cultural sensitivity. Lastly, you will learn about diversity in the workplace and cultural competence and intelligence.
Adhere to Food Service Worker Standards & Practices
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Food Service Worker standards and practices. Learners will explore the policies and procedures as it relates to the Food Service Worker, and the standards and legislation that apply to the operation of a Long-term Care Home. Learners will also explore the different agencies that monitor and evaluate the quality of care and food services, as well as the standards of evaluation for Long-term Care Homes. Lastly, learners will explore other legislation that affect Food Service Workers including Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
Adhere to Safety & Sanitation Principles
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about the absolute importance of working safely and cleanly around food. There is little to no forgiveness when it comes to the safe handling of food and the cleanliness of your environment. This module will prepare you to work in a professional food industrial environment. This module will also explore the roles of your employer and Local Public Health Board when it comes to your safety at work.
Apply Strategies to Practice Personal Hygiene
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about personal hygiene and its effects on your professional experience and your lifestyle. We will explore different ways to ensure that you follow basic personal hygiene practices to set you up for success in the workforce. Additionally, we will review handwashing procedures in greater detail. Hand washing may well be the single most important personal hygiene practice for preventing the spread of infections. We will learn how to do it properly and effectively.
Use Safe Food Handling Techniques
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners to the importance of working safely around food and foodservice equipment. You will be able to identify risks in the workplace that contribute to foodborne illnesses and learn various techniques to prevent them. Additionally, you will learn about the dangers and risk factors of foodborne diseases and their impact on businesses financially. Lastly, you will explore the importance of taking responsibility and accountability and preventative measures to ensure that outbreaks of foodborne illnesses are reduced.
Adhere to Safety Measures & Quality Assurance
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of managing incidents and accidents and the expectations related to sanitation and safety, and the Food Service Worker's role. Learners will explore the need for Quality Improvement and Risk Management initiatives to ensure that quality measures are being adhered to and followed within Long-term Care Homes and other foodservice industries. Lastly, learners will explore the importance of time management in food production to ensure a timely quality end product.
Plan & Develop Menus for Long Term Care Facilities
This online competency-based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners to the processes and procedures that goes into the development of menus in long-term care homes. You will explore the various personnel involved in menu planning and the ministry standards and regulations that everyone must adhere to concerning the planning and development of menus within long-term care homes. Lastly, you will learn about the importance of costing and how this significantly impacts menu creation planning.
Recognize Basic Physiology & Nutrition
This online competency-based training Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of food choices in maintaining health and how food supplies energy and nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals phytochemicals. Additionally, you will learn about the need to balance nutrients required for good nutrition and the need for water as an essential fluid for maintaining adequate hydration.
Use Canada's Food Guide to Develop Menus
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Canada's Food Guide and the importance of quality and effective menu planning. Menu planning is the first step to ensuring that individuals in any environment are consuming well-rounded, healthy diets. You will learn about creating single day personal menus and four-week rotational menus that are healthy and diverse. Lastly, you will explore a wide range of factors that must be considered when planning and creating a healthy menu.
Plan & Develop Menus for Long Term Care Facilities
This online competency-based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners to the processes and procedures that goes into the development of menus in long-term care homes. You will explore the various personnel involved in menu planning and the ministry standards and regulations that everyone must adhere to concerning the planning and development of menus within long-term care homes. Lastly, you will learn about the importance of costing and how this significantly impacts menu creation planning.
Use Canada's Food Guide to Develop Menus
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Canada's Food Guide and the importance of quality and effective menu planning. Menu planning is the first step to ensuring that individuals in any environment are consuming well-rounded, healthy diets. You will learn about creating single day personal menus and four-week rotational menus that are healthy and diverse. Lastly, you will explore a wide range of factors that must be considered when planning and creating a healthy menu.
Recognize Nutritional Needs throughout the Lifecycle
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to nutrition and the process of taking in food and using it for energy, growth, metabolism and repair. Learners will explore the importance of eating healthy to optimize nutrition during all stages of the life cycle. Learners will learn about the various stages that the body goes through, including pregnancy, infancy, toddler years, childhood, puberty, older adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior years. Lastly, learners will learn about proper nutrition and exercise that will support health and wellness at each stage of the human life cycle.
Recognize the Role of Nutrition in Aging
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the role of nutrition in the ageing process. Learners will identify the physiological functions and organ systems within the human body that support nutrition in the ageing process. Lastly, learners will discover the importance of nutrition and why it is essential in helping ageing individuals.
Plan Menus for Varying Conditions
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about the importance of varying health conditions and how these impacts adequate nutrition intake in the aging population. You will explore the various diets such as regular, liquid, therapeutic and texture modified diets to support residents with varying health conditions. You will learn about how to help residents in the dining area to encourage nutrition and feeding intake. Lastly, you will explore some of the common concerns among the aging population regarding feeding and nutrition.
Create Therapeutic Diet Meal Plans
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners to what therapeutic diet interventions are, who may require them, and how they are used in a health care setting. You will also learn the impact of these interventions on the quality and nutritional value of the food and fluids the health care setting is providing.
Use Nutritional Supplements to Increase Nutrition
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of nutritional supplements and how they are essential for increasing nutritional intake. Additionally, learners will learn about allergies and how they, too, affect supplement intake and nutrition. Learners will explore how dietary choices affect supplement intake and which types of supplements are best for specific diagnoses. Lastly, learners will learn how to create a nutritional supplement plan for individuals that consider specific diets, allergies, and restrictions affecting supplement intake.
Use Strategies to Improve Quality in Nutrition
This online competency-based training Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of nutrition and the quality of nutrition for ageing individuals within Long-term Care homes. Learners will also explore the different forms of nutrition and the role it plays in the nutrition process. Additionally, learners will explore the Food Service Worker's role in the nutrition process and how he or she can improve the quality of these processes.
Recognize the Health Care System
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to a broad overview of Ontario's healthcare system and the types of housing available for people who are unable to live on their own. Learners will explore the function and services of long-term care homes in Ontario and describe the individuals eligible to live in long term care. Learners will learn how to differentiate between retirement homes, supportive housing models and long-term care. Lastly, learners will explore the goals, mission, and values related to long-term care homes and the foodservice sector.
Adhere to Food Service Worker Standards & Practices
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Food Service Worker standards and practices. Learners will explore the policies and procedures as it relates to the Food Service Worker, and the standards and legislation that apply to the operation of a Long-term Care Home. Learners will also explore the different agencies that monitor and evaluate the quality of care and food services, as well as the standards of evaluation for Long-term Care Homes. Lastly, learners will explore other legislation that affect Food Service Workers including Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
Use Effective Customer Service Skills
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of customer service skills within Long-term Care Homes and the Food Service industry. Learners will explore how an employee's attitude can affect the quality of customer service and best practices needed to deliver quality service. Learners will also learn about the Ministry standards that influence dining room and customer services and the various ways and techniques to personal actions to enhance customer service. Lastly, learners will learn about the importance of pleasurable meal service that follows basic principles of hospitality, including the need to be friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, flexible, and have excellent communication skills.
Adhere to Safety & Sanitation Principles
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about the absolute importance of working safely and cleanly around food. There is little to no forgiveness when it comes to the safe handling of food and the cleanliness of your environment. This module will prepare you to work in a professional food industrial environment. This module will also explore the roles of your employer and Local Public Health Board when it comes to your safety at work.
Provide Quality Customer Meal Service
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of quality meal service and the corrective actions taken when food meal preparation and service do not meet standards or policies. Learners will also explore the importance of providing exceptional customer service and quality standards that enhance pleasurable dining experiences within Long-term Care Homes. Additionally, learners will learn the importance of providing for residents' needs and addressing any health concerns they may require during their dining experiences. Lastly, learners will learn about the need for residents' choice and adhering to the nutrition care plan that supports quality meal service and dining experiences.
Adhere to Safety Measures & Quality Assurance
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of managing incidents and accidents and the expectations related to sanitation and safety, and the Food Service Worker's role. Learners will explore the need for Quality Improvement and Risk Management initiatives to ensure that quality measures are being adhered to and followed within Long-term Care Homes and other foodservice industries. Lastly, learners will explore the importance of time management in food production to ensure a timely quality end product.
Use Strategies to Improve Quality in Nutrition
This online competency-based training Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of nutrition and the quality of nutrition for ageing individuals within Long-term Care homes. Learners will also explore the different forms of nutrition and the role it plays in the nutrition process. Additionally, learners will explore the Food Service Worker's role in the nutrition process and how he or she can improve the quality of these processes.
Recognize the Health Care System
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to a broad overview of Ontario's healthcare system and the types of housing available for people who are unable to live on their own. Learners will explore the function and services of long-term care homes in Ontario and describe the individuals eligible to live in long term care. Learners will learn how to differentiate between retirement homes, supportive housing models and long-term care. Lastly, learners will explore the goals, mission, and values related to long-term care homes and the foodservice sector.
Adhere to Food Service Worker Standards & Practices
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to Food Service Worker standards and practices. Learners will explore the policies and procedures as it relates to the Food Service Worker, and the standards and legislation that apply to the operation of a Long-term Care Home. Learners will also explore the different agencies that monitor and evaluate the quality of care and food services, as well as the standards of evaluation for Long-term Care Homes. Lastly, learners will explore other legislation that affect Food Service Workers including Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
Adhere to Safety & Sanitation Principles
This online competency based Micro-credential is designed to introduce learners about the absolute importance of working safely and cleanly around food. There is little to no forgiveness when it comes to the safe handling of food and the cleanliness of your environment. This module will prepare you to work in a professional food industrial environment. This module will also explore the roles of your employer and Local Public Health Board when it comes to your safety at work.
Adhere to Safety Measures & Quality Assurance
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the importance of managing incidents and accidents and the expectations related to sanitation and safety, and the Food Service Worker's role. Learners will explore the need for Quality Improvement and Risk Management initiatives to ensure that quality measures are being adhered to and followed within Long-term Care Homes and other foodservice industries. Lastly, learners will explore the importance of time management in food production to ensure a timely quality end product.
Determine Purchasing & Storage Requirements
This online competency-based Micro-credential has been designed to introduce learners to the purchasing processes for food and supplies and other inventory responsibilities within Long-term Care Homes and other institutions. Learners will explore the importance of product specifications and internal and external factors that impact ordering schedules, purchase requisitions and food orders. Learners will learn about the food ordering systems and the purpose and methods concerning inventory control, receiving and storage procedures. Lastly, learners will explore the appropriate strategies for storing food that adheres to standards and legislation.
Learning Units
You aren't required to take a full grouping of courses if you don't intend to complete a Micro-Certificate.
If you are just interested in completing individual courses that are part of the Food Service Worker Pathway this is definitely an option.
Students wishing to complete the Food Service Worker Ontario College Certificate
If your overall goal is to complete the Food Service Worker Ontario College Certificate, you will need to complete all FSWMC micro-credential courses and you will also need to complete:
- 1 General Education Elective course
- Field Placement or Work Attestation