Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Students will gain the knowledge and skills that are essential to effectively conduct supervisory activities in a food processing environment. Students will be exposed to exercises, case studies and practical application of supervisory skills related to the food processing work environment.

Courses included in this certificate are: Food Processing Basics, Food Safety Level 1 - Online, Coaching and Developing People, Developing Effective Teams, Project Management, Creative and Critical Thinking, Managing Change, Occupational Health and Safety for the Food Processing Industry - Condensed and Continuous Improvement Processes. This program consists of nine mandatory courses that address current food processing issues and trends.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 3 years of acceptance into the program in order to graduate.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), OR equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in the food processing industry OR minimum 1 year of experience in a leadership role in the food processing industry OR minimum 3 years of experience in a leadership role in other manufacturing sectors.

    Note: Applicants applying with leadership experience in other manufacturing sectors will also have to complete the Food Processing II course (FOOD 1240).

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and conduct research in the English language.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • Applicants must submit a current resume and either a letter of employment from a current employer (with contact information) or a reference from a current or former supervisor in the food processing industry (with contact information). Please upload the resume and letter/reference directly to your application form.

  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates are prepared for middle management supervisory positions in food processing manufacturing environments.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Perform due diligence in a food processing industry in order to meet quality standards and respond to the need for continuous improvement.
  • Use effective communication, interpersonal and team leadership skills to interact effectively, both verbally and in writing, with customers, clients and co-workers.
  • Employ problem solving and negotiation techniques to successfully resolve conflicts and other workplace situations.
  • Develop strategies for training employees in basic food safety procedures and practices.
  • Assess the work environment in order to make recommendations for correcting food safety violations and hazards.
  • Explain the skills required to ensure a supervisor can effectively perform various duties such as budgeting and cost control, customer relations, production and inventory control and productivity improvement.

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024