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View our Virtual tourCourses - September 2025
Level 1
Course details
Conestoga 101
CON0101
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Cured Meat - Theory, Science and Formulation
CUL8000
This course will explore the scientific aspects of the art and craft of fresh meat preservation. Beginning with the historical relevance of traditional methods, and moving towards modern, scientific techniques, you will come to understand not only the 'how' but also the 'why' of cured meat products. You will take a deep dive into the ingredients and techniques used in the creation of whole muscle, comminuted, fermented and smoked preserved meat products. Formula balancing, curing agents (both natural and chemical), casing selection, heat treatment, raw material selection, and drying environment will all be explored.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Retail Meat Fabrication
CUL8010
The retail butcher experience has certainly evolved in the last few decades. In this course you will acquire the knowledge and skills to re-invigorate this dying art. You will acquire the competencies to incorporate nose to tail processing into your practice, finding creative ways to include lesser-known cuts in your display case, as well as techniques to utilize trim in value added products.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Preserves, Pickles and Sauces
CUL8020
Embrace the seasonal rhythm of the food harvest by applying traditional techniques for canning, preserving and fermentation. Get the skills you need to make jams and jellies, hot sauces and barbeque sauces, pickled vegetables, mustards, chutneys, kimchi and sauerkraut, potted meats, and other preserves.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Slow Food and Sustainable Product Sourcing
CUL8030
The concepts and philosophies of the Slow Food movement are critical to creating a sustainable, quality first food establishment. You will explore the extensive community of producers and farmers in our local region and acquire the skills necessary to seek out the same in your own home. The value of heritage breeds, grains, and produce will be at the forefront of this course as you learn to develop a sustainable sourcing practice.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Cheesemaking - Science and Processes
CUL8040
This hands-on course will introduce the eight basic steps of cheesemaking and the chemical components that affect the process. Students will be taught the four major components of milk and their importance to cheesemaking as well as the functions, types and forms of starter cultures and the methods to monitor their activity and their effect on cheese development and aging.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Cheese Sensory Evaluation and Competition Grading
CUL8050
This course will enable the students to learn various methods for cheese and dairy products sensory evaluation, such as flavour, smell, colour, texture. It will enable students to analyze and interpret the sensory evaluation of cheese that is required for cheese grading and cheese defects.
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Cured Meat Production I
CUL8060
Though the art of curing meat did not originate in Italy, the evolution in this country has undoubtedly produced some of the most noteworthy products in this category. Throughout this course we will focus on the production of the 'Big 8'; guanciale, coppa, spalla, lardo, lonza, pancetta, prosciutto and salami, as well as several other Italian regional specialties.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Advanced Food Safety Training and Regulations
OHS8390
In this advanced-level food safety program, students will learn the role of food production, foodservice, and the responsibilities of food retail leaders in measuring risks, setting policies, and training and supervising employees. Students will study food safety hazards, employee hygiene, temperature control, safe food handling during preparation and service, HAACP systems, cleaning, sanitizing, and regulatory agency standards and requirements.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 2
Course details
Business Planning and Accounting
BUS8740
In this course, students will be introduced to essential bookkeeping and accounting practices for owner/operators. This course will prepare students to present a thorough and thoughtful business plan and interpret financial documents to make sound business decisions.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Cured Meat Production II
CUL8070
Building on the techniques learned in Cured Meat Production I, we will expand the scope of products to include iconic preparations from Spain, France, and the Southern U.S. Students will engage with state-of-the-art curing cabinets and equipment in Conestoga's specialized charcuterie lab.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Artisan Breads
CUL8080
You really shouldn't eat charcuterie without a great sourdough! For this practical course you will move to the baking lab and learn everything from sourdough breads using various types of flours, crackers and flatbreads, rich brioche buns and loaves, and laminated products.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Facility Layout and Design
CUL8090
Critical aspects of plant design, including equipment selection and costing, flow-through of raw materials, to processing rooms, fermentation rooms, and curing rooms, and finally merchandising, the layout of your facility requires attention to detail. This course will provide the knowledge required to help your vision become a reality.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Terrines, Pates and Pies
CUL8100
Nose-to-tail butchery produces significant amounts of trim, which in the hands of a skilled producer translates to value-added products. This course will focus on generating profit from these by-products in the creation of meat terrines, pate en croute, hand-formed pies, and several other iconic items that will make your display case shine.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Introduction to Fermentation - Wine, Beer and Spirits
CUL8110
Through hands-on practical classes, you will explore the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation, including fruit wines, eau de vie, gin, vodka, wine and beer.
- Hours: 35
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Human Resources for Small Business Owners
HRM8460
In this course, the students will learn how to set up, operate and maintain a responsible human resources program. Students will engage in workshops to explore scenarios dealing with topics such as difficult conversations, talent management, policies and standards. Learning will integrate the community perspective, the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance practices, and how to manage recruiting to fulfill the various roles of front, middle and back-office positions.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Marketing and Brand Development
MKT8420
This course will emphasize the importance of marketing and brand development with a focus on a successful profit model. Students will understand the customer position and how effective branding will contribute to the economic system.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Program outcomes
- Butcher a variety of meat using domestic and international standards and techniques for different applications.
- Execute federal Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the production of butchery and charcuterie.
- Create a variety of raw, cooked and cured meats and fish products in accordance with restaurant and wholesale standards.
- Integrate the principles of social and environmental sustainability to inform decision-making in the planning, preparation and sale of charcuterie and artisanal products.
- Calculate and determine the cost and logistics of labour, product control, packaging, and shelf life of artisanal products to determine profitability
- Evaluate the quality of artisanal food products through sensory analysis including appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and consistency to assist clients in product selection.
- Create an array of artisanal breads, cheeses, pickles and preserves suitable to complement a modern butcher and charcuterie retail operation.