Reception and Customer Service

Select start date and campus

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - January 2023

Level 1

Course details

Career Discovery
CDEV1840

Description: This course focuses on career exploration and decision making. Students will evaluate their interests, values, skills and abilities through assessment tools and explore the labour market to identify employment trends aligned to their strengths. Effective communication strategies to aid success in the workplace will be covered. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized development plan to support their future career goals.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Communication Essentials
COMM1365

Description: This course introduces students to the verbal and written communication skills required for success in their future studies and in the workplace. Students will learn to share information in a clear and professional manner both orally and in writing. Students will develop active listening skills and learn to interpret common workplace documents and texts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Team Dynamics and Interpersonal Skills
COMM1535

Description: This course introduces students to the interpersonal skills required for success in the workplace. Students will learn the team structures, role types, and behaviours that inform interpersonal strategies and techniques. Students will learn strategies for working with and communicating with others to prevent and resolve conflicts in the workplace. Students will practice forming teams to complete workplace tasks.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Computers
COMP1134

Description: This course introduces students to the computer skills required for success in the workplace. Students will learn the basics of operating a PC using the Microsoft Windows operating system. Students will learn to use a computer to manage files and edit and create simple documents in Microsoft Office applications. Students will learn Internet browsing and search techniques for working securely and efficiently online. Students will develop their keyboarding skills to increase work efficiency.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Student Success Strategies
ETR1140

Description: This course provides students with an introduction to the post-secondary environment and expectations of college level learning. Students will be oriented to the services available from Conestoga to support them in their studies and enhance their college experience. Students will learn and develop academic and personal skills required for success in a post-secondary program. In addition, students will identify strategies that promote wellness and resilience. Students will gain experience with using APA format for written assignments and be exposed to Conestoga College’s online learning platform to locate information, engage in course discussions, and complete assignments.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Human Resources in the Workplace
ETR1410

Description: This course introduces students to their rights and obligations in the Ontario workplace. Students will learn concepts of organizational structure common to a variety of workplaces to aid in orienting upon entry to a job. Students will be introduced to the laws and regulations that protect workers and guide workplace practices. Students will explore current issues in the workplace in Ontario and discuss how these issues may affect their employment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Math Fundamentals for the Workplace
MATH1165

Description: This course will provide the student with learning tools that will help them to improve basic arithmetic skills and to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. It is designed for students to help them bridge any existing gap between their current preparation and the mathematics required for success in the workplace.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Office Equipment and Technology
BUS1065

Description: This course introduces students to the equipment and technologies commonly used in office environments. Students will learn to use office communication and scheduling software to send emails and book appointments. Students will learn to use office telephone features to manage volume and direct calls. Students will learn electronic document management strategies to effectively share information between team members in an office. Students will learn ergonomic considerations and best practices to maintain wellbeing in an office environment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: COMP1134
  • CoRequisites:

Front Office Best Practices
BUS1075

Description: This course provides students with the skills and strategies required for success as a receptionist or front office support role. Students will learn to maintain filing systems, schedule appointments, and communicate with customers or clients in a reception role. Students will learn strategies for team information sharing and organization to facilitate efficiency in a front office role.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Office Organization and Inventory
BUS1080

Description: This course introduces students to common office practices and procedures required for inventory management and facilitating sharing of information and space among team members. Students will learn office filing and organization practices to maintain accurate records and ensure shared access to information. Students will learn to establish and maintain an inventory. Students will learn basic procedures for office purchasing required to maintain inventory levels and office supplies.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Business Communications Essentials
COMM1375

Description: This course provides students with the skills required to create professional written business correspondence required for office clerical tasks and regular workplace communication. Students will learn the format of common forms of written business correspondence. Students will learn best practices for professional and efficient communication in a business environment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Microsoft Applications for the Workplace
COMP1189

Description: This course builds students’ skills in working with the Microsoft Office suite to complete common workplace tasks. Students will learn to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and OneDrive in an office environment to create professional documents, collaborate with team members, and track information. Students will learn best practices for working efficiently and professionally on the computer in the workplace.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Diversity, Ethics and Conflict Resolution
ETHS1010

Description: This course provides students with the skills and strategies required to interact with customers in a professional and appropriate manner in a variety of situations. Students will explore issues related to diversity and ethical decision making as they relate to effective customer service. Students will learn strategies for de-escalating and resolving conflict in customer service roles.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Job Search and Employability Skills
ETR1220

Description: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required for success in industry-targeted job search and in job maintenance. Students will learn to target job search activities and documents to an industry or employer of interest. Students will improve their interview skills through in-depth practice and industry-specific preparation. Students will learn essential self-management and workplace behaviour skills to promote job retention and success in the workplace.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Reception & Customer Service)
FPLT1400

Description: Students will apply their knowledge and consolidate their skills in a workplace related to their program of study. Field placements may be in any workplace environment related to the field of study. Placements must be approved by program staff to ensure fit with program of study.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  • Employ customer service strategies, practices, techniques and technologies for reception and front office administration to perform various required tasks specific to the role both individually and as part of a customer service team.
  • Build rapport with customers and team members using relevant communication styles and strategies to provide professional customer care.
  • Manage various customer service and collaborative situations using interpersonal skills, critical thinking strategies, and relevant negotiation and conflict resolution skills to ensure a professional level of customer care.
  • Support business needs specific to the role using the IT tools available to produce documents, electronic communications, spreadsheets and presentations.
  • Evaluate career-related personal values, strengths, and opportunities to support career goals and the development of a personal and professional career plan.
  • Employ professional workplace behaviours to locate and maintain work in a variety of environments and successfully manage workplace expectations.
  • Adhere to workplace laws, organizational structure, and ethics that impact job maintenance and employee rights and responsibilities