The Professional Customer Service Co-op Certificate program at VanWest College equips students with essential skills for success in customer service and sales environments. Through a combination of academic study and paid co-op placements, students develop effective communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities. Upon graduation, they are prepared for careers as customer service professionals in various industries, with potential job opportunities including Guest Service Representative, Retail Salesperson, and Client Service Provider.

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Professional Customer Service Co-op Certificate program at VanWest College focuses on improving customer service skills to enhance customer and business relationships and implementing strategies for effective communication in diverse work environments. Upon graduation, students are equipped to enter and advance in their careers as customer service professionals.

Objectives:

• Gain fundamental knowledge of business procedures and customer relationships essential for success in customer service and sales environments
• Develop effective and confident communication skills in a Canadian work environment
• Apply academic learning to real-life employment in the customer service industry
• Receive full student support for co-op work placement and career development

Program Structure:

• 9 months (total 36 weeks) Academic Study
• 4 months (total 336 hours) Co-op
• 4 months (total 336 hours) Co-op

Co-op:

VanWest College's Co-op program provides students with a solid foundation of host company partnerships across various industries. Students gain practical experience in job hunting techniques through on-campus activities and information sessions. Regular counseling and training are provided until students secure their placements.

Outline:

Semester 1 (4 months)

• 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 (4 months)

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Utilize techniques to secure relevant employment
• Apply cross-cultural communication skills and strategies in 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 Paths:

• Guest Service Representative
• Retail Salesperson
• Medical Customer Service Representative
• Inside Sales Representative
• Restaurant Service Provider
• Client Service Provider
• Operations & Customer Support
• Call Center Agent

Salary and Job Outlook:

• Guest Service Representative: $35,396 per year (average)
• Restaurant Service Provider: $37,061 per year (average)
• Retail Salesperson: $41,224 per year (average)
• Client Service Provider: $41,099 per year (average)
• Source: payscale.com

Job Outlook in BC:

• Customer Service Manager - Retail (NOC 0621): 101,900 new job openings (2017 - 2026), median wage rate $28.85
• Customer Information Service Representative - Retail (NOC 6552): 49,800 new job openings (2017 - 2026), median wage rate $19.85
• Source: jobbank.gc.ca

VanWest College: A Comprehensive Overview

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Other: