Professional Customer Service Co-op Certificate

Program Overview

The Professional Customer Service Co-op Certificate program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in customer service roles. Throughout this program, students will learn how to maximize their customer service skills, implement strategies to communicate effectively in diverse work environments, and develop practical skills in public and customer relations.

Program Details

• Program Length: 9 months (total 36 weeks)
  • Academic Study: 4 months (total 336 hours)
  • Co-op: 4 months (total 336 hours)
• Offered Location: Vancouver
• Start Dates:
  • 2026: January 19, March 16, May 11, July 6, August 31, December 21
  • 2027: April 12, August 3, September 27
• Co-op: VanWest College's Co-op has a strong system in place and a solid foundation of host company partnerships across various industries. Students receive first-hand experience on how job hunting works in Canada through various activities offered by the Co-op department.

Admission Requirements

English Admission Requirement

• Completion of EAP 300 with a final grade of 75% from VanWest College (Vancouver or Kelowna)
• IELTS Academic 5.5+
• TOEFL IBT 65+
• Duolingo 100+
• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE): Minimum overall score of 160 or grade "C"
• EIKEN Pre-1 with a combined score of at least 2450
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with no single score lower than 50 or with an overall score of 52 and above

Academic Admission Requirement

• High School Diploma (Grade 12)
• General Education Development (GED)

Tuition & Fees

• Tuition (Domestic): $7,070
• Tuition (International): $8,900
• Application Fee (Domestic): $150
• Application Fee (International): $250
• Student Services Fee: $250
• Textbook costs: Not included

Program Sequence

Semester 1: Academic Study

• Term 1 (2 months):
  • BUS101 Cross-Cultural Communication
  • BUS107 Business Correspondence
  • BUS109 Workplace Preparation
• Term 2 (2 months):
  • BUS102 Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace
  • BUS103 Marketing Essentials
  • BUS106 Customer Service Skills

Semester 2: Co-op

• 4 months: BUS112 Co-op Placement

Schedule

• Sample Program Schedule: | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri ---|---|---|---|---|--- 15:00 – 17:45 | Lecture 1 | Lecture 3 | Lecture 1 | Lecture 3 | Lecture 1 or 3 18:00 – 21:30 | Lecture 2 | Lecture 4 | Lecture 2 | Lecture 4 |
• Important Dates: Provided in the program calendar

Career Opportunities

• Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the ability to:
  • Employ techniques to secure relevant employment
  • Apply cross-cultural communication skills and strategies to the workplace
  • Think critically, problem-solve, and make decisions
  • Apply classroom learning to guaranteed paid co-op positions
  • Create customer value and develop customer relationships
  • Demonstrate confidence to customers through tone of voice, verbal language, and body language
• Career Opportunities:
  • Guest Service Representative
  • Retail Salesperson
  • Medical Customer Service Representative
  • Restaurant Service Provider
  • Client Service Provider
  • Operations & Customer Support
  • Call Center Agent
• Average Salary Per Year:
  • Client Services Coordinator: $47,674
  • Guest Service Representative: $43,000
  • Retail Salesperson: $39,000
  • Restaurant General Manager: $54,253
• Job Outlook in BC:
  • Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621): 21,810 new job openings, median wage rate $31.25/hr
  • Customer and information services representatives (NOC 6552): 7,290 new job openings, median wage rate $21.98/hr

Program Curriculum

• BUS101 Cross-Cultural Communication
• BUS102 Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace
• BUS103 Marketing Essentials
• BUS106 Customer Service Skills
• BUS107 Business Correspondence
• BUS109 Workplace Preparation
• BUS112 Co-op Placement

PTIRU Approval

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. Vancouver DLI Number: O192789784

VanWest College: A Comprehensive Overview

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Overview:

VanWest College is a private educational institution established in 1988, offering both English language programs and government-certified career training programs. With campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, VanWest College provides a diverse and enriching learning experience for students of all nationalities and interests.

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Services Offered:

• English Language Programs:

  VanWest College offers a wide range of English language courses, catering to various needs and skill levels. These include:
  • General English
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
  • IELTS Preparation
  • English for Business
  • English for Professionals
  • University Pathway
  • English for Kids
  • English for Youth
  • Speak Up (All Day Speaking)
  • English & Volunteer Experience
  • High School Preparation
  • Electives
  • One-to-One Lessons

• Career Training Programs:

  VanWest College provides government-certified career training programs in various fields, including:
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Commerce and Marketing
  • Business Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Professional Customer Service
  • Early Childhood Education (ECE)
  • Cross-Cultural Business Communication
  • Yorkville University Transfer

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

VanWest College fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Students have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including:

Language Exchange and Conversation Club:

Free opportunities to practice conversational English with teachers and classmates.

Co-op Terms:

Hands-on learning experiences that allow students to gain practical skills and test-drive their chosen career paths.

After-School Activities:

A diverse range of activities organized to cater to students' interests and nationalities.

Exploring Vancouver and Kelowna:

Students can enjoy the vibrant cities of Vancouver and Kelowna, experiencing their unique culture and attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Experienced Instructors:

VanWest College employs business professionals with industry expertise to deliver high-quality instruction.

Student-Centred Approach:

The college prioritizes student needs and provides personalized learning experiences.

Result-Oriented Programs:

VanWest College focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields.

Government Certification and Accreditation:

The college's programs are certified by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and accredited by EQA, IALC, Quality English, and Language Canada, ensuring high educational standards.

Co-op Opportunities:

Students gain valuable work experience through co-op terms, enhancing their career prospects.

Vibrant Campus Life:

VanWest College offers a diverse and engaging campus environment with opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration.

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Academic Programs:

VanWest College offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:

English Language Programs:

Catering to various skill levels and learning goals, from basic English to advanced academic English.

Career Training Programs:

Providing specialized training in fields such as business, hospitality, supply chain management, and early childhood education.

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Other: