Please note:
Program description
The Process Operator – Food Manufacturing (Apprenticeship) program is designed to provide the student with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a career in the food processing industry. The program is based on the OCOT Schedule of Training and consists of 300 in-class hours (Level One – 87 hours, Level Two – 153 hours, Level Three – 60 hours). The following areas are covered in the program:- food safety and security- food manufacturing and the environment- electrical and instrumentation techniques - mechanical techniques - communication and computer skills- continuous quality improvement
In addition to the above, the apprentice is required to complete 4,000 on-the-job hours in order to become a journeyperson. See Apprenticeship - General Information.
Program details
Fees & payment
- Fees are set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as per the Offer of Classroom Training.
- Books, safety equipment, tools, and parking fees are additional. For details, visit Orientation & support.
- Applicants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Awards & scholarships
Many program-specific awards are administered by individual programs. Students should speak to their faculty or program coordinators about additional awards available in their program specific areas.
Courses
Level 1
Course details
Food Safety Level 1
FOOD1115
Level 2
Course details
Electrical and Instrumentation - Processing
FOOD1130
Mechanical Techniques in Food Processing
FOOD1140
Communication and Computer Skills
FOOD1150
Level 3
Course details
Continuous Quality Improvement
FOOD2000
Please note:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.
Program outcomes
- Understand and describe food safety programs (GMP, HACCP) and their use in controlling food safety hazards
- Understand the role and importance of effective record keeping
- Describe cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Understand the process followed during a food recall
- Apply practices to ensure that water, steam and ice are potable
- Describe and give examples of physical, chemical and microbial hazards
- Identify common sources of pathogens and methods to control their growth
- Describe food borne illness and food spoilage
- Understand contamination and cross-contamination of food and how these happen
- Describe food allergens and their importance in food manufacturing
- Describe the requirements for the physical structure of a processing
- Apply the procedures of a food defense program to provide protection from intentional contamination
- Understand a Spill Response Plan and the general procedure for developing oneSelect, use and maintain hand and power tools and equipment used in the food manufacturing industry
- Use safe work practices when troubleshooting the electrical components of a food processing line.
- Understand the basic concepts of electrical theory and use them to make minor adjustments using electrical controls, PLC's control systems application and Control logic type systems
- Develop the ability to troubleshoot automatic systems (AC/DC Drives)
- Be familiar with and make minor changes to Instrumentation and Digital Control Systems
- Utilize safe work and tooling practices when troubleshooting mechanical systems
- Understand the fundamentals of a packaging line, conveyors and conveyor systems
- Utilize common spreadsheet and documentation computer software to generate reports and communicate effectively
- Utilize and understand continuous quality improvement techniques such as lean manufacturing, statistical process control and six sigma concepts for problem solving
- Identify and implement operator preventative maintenance systems, equipment failure analysis techniques and energy management systems
Program handbook
Program handbookGraduate opportunities
Graduates will experience employment in the largest manufacturing sector in Canada and may find work in small-, medium- and large-sized food manufacturing companies in skilled positions such as machine operator, maintenance technician, and leadership roles.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
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