Process Operator – Food Manufacturing
(246T) Apprenticeship
(0724)
2015-2016 Program Handbook
School of Engineering,
Information Technology and Trades
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning
This handbook has been assembled specifically for Process Operator – Food Manufacturing apprentices
at Conestoga College. This handbook is intended to supplement the Conestoga College Student Guide.
All rules, guidelines and procedures in this handbook are in addition to those specified in the College’s
Student Guide and reflect the School of Engineering, Information Technology and Trades policies and
procedures.
Revised June 2015
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 2
1)
PROGRAM HANDBOOK GUIDELINES .................................................................. 4
2)
WELCOME .............................................................................................................. 4
3)
PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM ................................................................................ 4
3.1 Program Faculty .................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Support Services ................................................................................................... 5
4)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW .......................................................................................... 5
4.1 Program Description .............................................................................................. 5
4.2 Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................................. 5
4.3 Program Curriculum Sequence.............................................................................. 6
5)
PROGRAM INFORMATION & STANDARDS .......................................................... 6
5.1 Academic Assistance............................................................................................. 6
5.2 Student Services.................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Academic Dates..................................................................................................... 7
5.4 Credit Transfers ..................................................................................................... 7
5.5 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Standard ............... 7
5.6 Attendance - Program Standard ............................................................................ 9
5.7 Evaluations (Deadlines, Tests and Examinations) – Program Standard................ 9
5.8 Course Add/Drop ................................................................................................. 10
5.9 Program Transfer................................................................................................. 10
5.10 Graduation ......................................................................................................... 10
5.11 Program Advisory Committee (PAC) ................................................................. 10
5.12 Communication – Program Standard................................................................. 10
5.13 Co-operative Education Policy ........................................................................... 11
5.14 Awards – College Application Procedure ........................................................... 11
5.15 Co-Curricular Record ......................................................................................... 11
5.16 Student Feedback.............................................................................................. 11
5.17 Student Representation ..................................................................................... 12
5.18 Required Equipment, Supplies and Texts .......................................................... 12
6)
FACILITY INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 12
6.1 After-hours Access Policy & Parking ................................................................... 12
6.2 Classrooms, Computer Labs and Shop Access................................................... 13
7)
SAFETY INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 13
7.1 Basic Safety ......................................................................................................... 13
7.2 Emergency Procedures ....................................................................................... 13
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7.3 Machine Operation and Safety ............................................................................ 14
7.4 Physical Protection / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ................................ 14
7.5 Student Protection Acknowledgement ................................................................. 14
8)
CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES .................................................... 15
8.1 Additional Resources ........................................................................................... 15
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1) PROGRAM HANDBOOK GUIDELINES
The purpose of this handbook is to provide apprentices with program specific details
and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of
posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Apprentices will be informed of
handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are
updated yearly and apprentices must check their program handbook for the current
edition.
2) WELCOME
Welcome to the School of Trades & Apprenticeship and thank you for choosing
Conestoga for your post-secondary education in skilled trades.
Conestoga offers a comprehensive array of programs in the Construction, Motive
Power, Industrial and Service sectors to suit your interests and career aspirations. Our
established partnerships with many successful local, national and international
companies, result in program enhancements and significant career opportunities for our
students.
Operating from campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph, as well as a
training facility in Ingersoll, we deliver current and relevant skills-based education and
training allowing our students and graduates access to successful careers in the skilled
trades.
I encourage you to take full advantage of the learning opportunities and resources
available.
Sincerely,
Julia Biedermann, PhD, PEng
Executive Dean
3) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM
Program Chair
Luis Garcia | A1213-6
519-748-5220 ext. 2475 | lgarcia@conestogac.on.ca
Program Manager
Joni Jean | ATS 101
519-748-5220 ext. 3460 | jjean@conestogac.on.ca
Office Services Assistant
Melanie Hogeveen | A1213
519-748-5220 ext. 4502 | mhogeveen@conestogac.on.ca
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3.1 Program Faculty
Program Coordinator
Luis Garcia | A1213-6
519-748-5220 ext. 2475 | lgarcia@conestogac.on.ca
3.2 Support Services
Records Officer
Brenda Bender | Welcome Centre - Office of the Registrar
519-748-5220 ext. 3244 | bbender@conestogac.on.ca
Technical Support
IT Service Desk | Doon – 1E12
519-748-5220 ext. 3444 | itsdesk@conestogac.on.ca
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU)
Apprenticeship | 4275 King St E, Suite 200, Kitchener ON N2P 2E9
800-387-5656 | kitchener.apprenticeship@ontario.ca
Service Canada
Employment Insurance
800-206-7218 | www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Ontario College of Trades (OCOT)
Member Services | 655 Bay St, Suite 600, Toronto ON M5G 2K4
855-299-0028 | info@collegeoftrades.ca
For additional financial and other supports for apprentices and employers, students
should visit Conestoga College’s website.
4) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
4.1 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 MTCU Schedule
of Training and consists of 300 in-class hours (Level One - 87 hours, Level Two - 153
hours, Level Three - 60 hours). In addition to the above, the apprentice is required to
complete 4000 on-the-job hours in order to become a journeyperson.
4.2 Program Learning Outcomes
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Program learning outcomes can be found on the Process Operator – Food
Manufacturing (Apprenticeship) program page of the college’s website.
4.3 Program Curriculum Sequence
Apprentices are placed on a waitlist for school based on their ‘Program Start Date’ with
the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). When it is the apprentice’s
turn to go to school, the MTCU is responsible for mailing the “Offer of Classroom
Training” to each apprentice approximately 90 days prior to the start date of class.
Conestoga College does not control when an apprentice is sent an “Offer of Classroom
Training”. In addition, the apprentice must be a member in good standing with the
Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) throughout their apprenticeship in order to remain
eligible to receive an “Offer of Classroom Training”.
Apprentices are issued with an “Apprenticeship Training Standard” from the OCOT in
which to track their competencies obtained on the job. Please note that faculty and staff
at Conestoga College are not permitted to sign off any skills in the training standard.
Current Program Design
Apprentices can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps
below:
1. Log in to the Student Portal
2. Click on ‘My Courses tab
3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Apprentices can also view courses for the most
current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To
find these courses, apprentices need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & STANDARDS
5.1 Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The
program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course
information such as adding / dropping courses, special timetabling, etc. If an apprentice
is struggling with the academic content in any course they are encouraged to speak with
a member of the apprenticeship liaison team (ALT), relevant faculty or the program
coordinator. An ALT member is available to all apprentices and will provide one on one
learning support or referrals to other services. Students can also access the Learning
Commons website for detailed information on the academic services they provide,
including learning skills, peer services, math and writing assistance.
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Conestoga College is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for
apprentices with disabilities. Accommodating disabilities at the college is a shared
responsibility between apprentices, faculty and administration. Apprentices are
responsible for providing relevant and up to date documentation of their disability
to Accessibility Services, when they first register. This documentation will allow the
apprentice to be considered for accommodations and access to available services.
5.2 Student Services
Refer to the Student Guide for information on student services including Counselling,
Student Financial Services and Student Life.
5.3 Academic Dates
Follow the link for a listing of important academic dates for the current school year,
including a list of holidays when classes are cancelled. Apprentices should be aware
that programs within the School of Engineering, Information Technology and Trades do
not necessarily follow all of the listed dates. Speak with the program coordinator
regarding program-specific dates, including study week, if applicable.
5.4 Credit Transfers
Credits can be transferred for apprentices who have proven that they have comparable
or equivalent learning in a formal educational environment. Course learning outcomes
will be the criteria for determining exemptions. The notation of “G” is used for the grade.
Note: When an apprentice moves from one Conestoga College program to another and
where course numbers are identical, automatic credit is given if program passing grades
are met. The course grade from the original course will stand.
Previous work experience is not eligible under the Credit Transfer process.
If an apprentice believes that they should be exempt from any complete level of inschool training they are to contact the MTCU for further guidance.
5.5 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Standard
If for any reason an apprentice is concerned about their academic progress, they should
arrange to meet with a full-time faculty member or the program coordinator.
Apprentices must achieve a minimum passing grade of 70 per cent in each and every
course. Failure or withdrawal from any course will result in the apprentice not being
eligible for the next level.
Common Academic Decisions
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At the end of each level, the program team reviews apprentices’ grades. Below are the
most common academic decisions issued by the program team:
Eligible to Continue
Apprentices that pass all reportable subjects (courses) are eligible to continue in
the program.
Decisions (Pending)
Apprentices that fail one reportable subject (course) may request a supplemental
assessment.
Supplemental Assessment: Apprentices who have failed one course may
request a supplemental assessment (a “make-up”). It is the apprentice’s
responsibility to check the grade postings. It is not the responsibility of the
instructor to seek out the apprentice and offer a supplemental.
Supplemental assessments may be approved by faculty, or the program
team, if the apprentice meets the following academic criteria:
1. No more than one failed course (F grade) in the level.
2. The failed course (F grade) was within 10 marks (10 percentage
points – 60 per cent to 69 per cent) of the required passing grade
of 70 per cent.
3. Attended 80 per cent or more of the classes in the course in
question.
4. No more than one other supplemental assessment over the
duration of the level.
5. Must have passed at least one formal evaluation in the course.
The supplemental process must be completed within two weeks from the
end of the level. To register for a supplemental, the apprentice must have
an Authorization for Supplemental form completed and signed by the
program coordinator and submit the appropriate fee ($40.00) to the
Registrar’s Office. The apprentice must provide proof of fee payment at
the time of the supplemental exam.
Failure in the supplemental will result in no change to the original course
grade. Successful completion of the supplemental evaluation will result in
the minimum passing grade of 70 per cent being awarded. The final grade
as a result of the supplemental will be automatic and is ineligible for
appeal.
Discontinuance, Withdrawals and Probation
The MTCU mandates that all apprentices must maintain 100 per cent attendance
in their in-school training. Apprentices who are marked absent for three
occurrences may be discontinued from the level. Apprentices may also be
discontinued from a level based on misconduct.
For further information on discontinuance, withdrawals and probation, visit
the Admissions section of the College website.
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5.6 Attendance - Program Standard
Apprentices are required to demonstrate the same attention to punctuality, attendance
and safety as would be required by the business or industry in which they are or expect
to be employed.
Attendance for each course will be monitored. If an apprentice knows in advance that
they will miss one or more classes (authorized absence), they must contact the faculty
involved and let them know before the occurrence.
An authorized absence is defined as, but not limited to, illness requiring the care of a
doctor, death of an immediate family member, or severe weather. All other absences
are considered unauthorized. Regardless of explanation, if an apprentice is absent they
must contact the appropriate faculty or leave a message with the office services
assistant. Authorized absences are tracked and will contribute to the total days missed.
In the event of an absence, it is the apprentice’s responsibility to make up the missed
work. Due to limited shop / lab availability missed labs may result in a zero mark at the
discretion of the faculty.
Apprentices that arrive late for a scheduled class will be counted as absent immediately
after the start of the class. Apprentices that leave early, prior to the dismissal time, will
also be counted as absent.
The School of Engineering, Information Technology and Trades uses a ‘flag’ system to
track unauthorized absences. The first missed day will result in a verbal warning. The
second missed day will result in a ‘blue flag’ being issued. The third missed day will
result in a ‘red flag’ being issued. At this point, a meeting will take place between the
apprentice and program coordinator in consultation with the MTCU and the apprentice
runs the risk of being ineligible for supplemental assessment opportunities due to poor
attendance as well as possible discontinuance from the program. A ‘day’ is determined
by the number of equivalent class hours missed, normally set at six hours. An
accumulation of class hours missed over a number of weeks will equate to a day
missed.
If an apprentice is to be absent from class due to a religious holiday, arrangements
must be made in advance in accordance with Conestoga College’s ‘Religious Holiday
Policy and Procedure’.
5.7 Evaluations (Deadlines, Tests and Examinations) – Program Standard
The School of Engineering, Information Technology and Trades has programs directly
associated with industries that require commitment to deadlines. As part of our role as
an educational institute, we emulate the ‘real world of work’ to provide apprentices with
the opportunity to recognize the essential skills required to be successful in their chosen
career.
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As such, the School of Engineering, Information Technology and Trades has a ‘zero
tolerance’ rule for unsubstantiated late submissions of assignments and projects.
Cases whereby the submission did not meet the deadline, due to medical illness, an
accident, or a death in the immediate family, supporting formal documentation, such as
doctor’s note, police report and / or medical forms, or copy of death certificate will be
required. This must be included with the late submission and personally delivered to the
appropriate faculty member and / or program coordinator.
This process ensures that all apprentices within the School of Engineering, Information
Technology and Trades are following academic / industry protocol and are all treated
fairly and equally in their evaluations.
Under no circumstances will a test or examination be permitted to be made up or rewritten for an unauthorized absence. Apprentices are required to contact the
appropriate faculty member prior to the scheduled test or examination if they know they
will be absent. In the case of an authorized absence it is the apprentice’s responsibility
to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty member to complete the exam or
test immediately upon their return to school.
5.8 Course Add/Drop
Course Add/Drop is not applicable to apprenticeship training.
5.9 Program Transfer
Program Transfers are not applicable to apprenticeship training.
5.10 Graduation
Graduation is not applicable to apprenticeship training.
5.11 Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Program Advisory Committees do not apply to apprenticeship training.
5.12 Communication – Program Standard
Conestoga College and eConestoga student email accounts will be used to
communicate to apprentices. Apprentices are expected to regularly check their email
accounts. Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.
Faculty will respond to apprentice emails by the end of the next business day after
receipt of an enquiry.
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The email utility in eConestoga is permitted for course content-related items only.
5.13 Co-operative Education Policy
The Co-operative Education Policy is not applicable to apprenticeship training.
5.14 Awards – College Application Procedure
Since apprentices are not considered full-time students for an entire academic year they
are not eligible to apply for most College-wide awards, scholarships or bursaries.
However, apprentices who are interested in awards may contact the Financial Aid and
Student Awards office for more information.
School of Trades and Apprenticeship Awards – Program Specific
Every year, the School of Trades and Apprenticeship hosts an awards ceremony in May
where close to $125,000 worth of monetary and product prizes are awarded to
deserving students and apprentices. Apprentices are to speak with faculty for more
information on possible apprenticeship-related awards.
5.15 Co-Curricular Record
Conestoga’s Co-Curricular Record (CCR) enhances apprentices’ growth and
development outside the classroom. The CCR is an official document, complementary
to an academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that is achieved
through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga College.
5.16 Student Feedback
Apprentice feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement
process. Our opportunities for apprentice feedback include:
Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)
The SAT allows direct feedback from apprentices on teaching for a particular course.
Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable
information to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One-quarter of the faculty is appraised per
term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All
teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Apprentices complete either
an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional
Research. The report is sent to the academic manager who shares the report with the
faculty member AFTER all marks for the level have been collected.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
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All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). This survey
is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are
developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the
program / school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve
quality.
5.17 Student Representation
CSI and Conestoga agree that an apprentice has the right to invite a member of CSI to
an apprentice / faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to
faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to
adequately prepare for the meeting.
5.18 Required Equipment, Supplies and Texts
Faculty members are responsible for distributing a suggested minimum tool list, where
applicable. Texts required for each course are included on the pertinent course outline.
6) FACILITY INFORMATION
6.1 After-hours Access Policy & Parking
Conestoga College’s hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right. This privilege requires that apprentices
follow established guidelines, rules and regulations to ensure safety and security of
person and property. Policies and procedures can be found on the website for
the Security Services Department.
Parking
A system of paid parking is in place at Doon, Cambridge, Guelph and Waterloo.
Apprentices must display a valid parking permit on their car windshield if parking on
campus lots between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information on parking regulations and
permits can be found in the Parking Services section of the College’s website.
Room Access
Apprentices needing access to classrooms or computer labs after hours on the
Cambridge campus will be required to sign in, showing their Conestoga-issued
apprenticeship card at Security before 11:00 p.m. each day that they wish to be on
campus after 11:00 p.m.
Apprentices wishing to leave and return after 11:00 p.m. will need to inform Security,
who will readmit them upon their return.
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Apprentices must leave the classroom / computer lab if requested to do so by Security,
maintenance and / or cleaning staff.
6.2 Classrooms, Computer Labs and Shop Access
There is no food permitted in any classroom, computer lab or shop. Beverages are
permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs,
beverage containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary
damage.
Access to shops outside of regularly scheduled class times is not permitted without
written permission from the instructor. For safety reasons access will only be granted for
a minimum of two apprentices. No equipment is permitted to be used without the
presence and authorization of the instructor.
7) SAFETY INFORMATION
7.1 Basic Safety
Apprentices are required to sign a Conestoga College Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning (CCITAL) Acknowledgment of Safety Training and Responsibilities
Form (if applicable to program), which will be provided by the faculty at the start of the
program.
7.2 Emergency Procedures
For life threatening emergencies, from any landline:
DIAL 9 (for outside line), then dial 911.
Notify the Security Office at ext. 3357 whenever emergency response personnel are
contacted. The Security Office should also be contacted whenever there is an individual
requiring medical attention but is not life threatening or whenever there is a minor injury
and no medical attention is required. Conestoga College (Doon) has a nurse on duty
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. who can be reached at ext. 3254.
There is an Emergency Guide located on Conestoga College’s webpage for information
on how to respond to emergency situations.
Faculty will discuss the following at the beginning of each level:
1. Fire Exits - the closest fire exit and any alternates
2. Fire Alarms - the location of the nearest pull station
3. First Aid Locations – usually the closest Security Desk/Office
4. Telephones - the nearest telephone to report accidents, illnesses or
emergencies
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5. First Aiders - identify lab faculty and staff who are trained in first aid
All accidents and injuries must be reported by the apprentice within 24 hours to the
program chair or program manager and an Incident Report Form will be completed and
submitted to the Occupational Health and Safety Office (safety@conestogac.on.ca).
7.3 Machine Operation and Safety
Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible
for the delivery of each course, as necessary. Apprentices will sign-off after they have
received safety training relevant to the machinery in use. Apprentices must not use any
equipment for which they have not received training or which they do not feel
comfortable using.
7.4 Physical Protection / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For classes with a shop component, the following are the minimum PPE requirements:
1. CSA-approved (Omega Symbol recommended) steel toe work boots or shoes
2. CSA-approved clear-lensed safety glasses
Other physical protection requirements in the shop include:
1. Long pants must be worn (shorts or capris are not permitted)
2. No loose coats or clothing items
3. Long hair must be tied back
4. No rings, bracelets or loose jewelry
Additional food safety requirements for classes taking place in the food processing pilot
plant include:
1. A hairnet must be worn at all times, covering all hair and under the ears
2. A beardnet must be worn if any facial hair is present
3. Long pants must be worn (shorts or capris are not permitted)
4. No rings, bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, or any other form of jewelry
worn exposed above the waist is allowed
5. Non-permanent, visible piercing must be removed prior to entering the facility.
Permanent, exposed piercings must be covered with adhesive tape
Any additional personal protective equipment requirements will be provided by the
faculty responsible for the delivery of each course.
Cell phones and other electronic communication devices may not be used in
classrooms and labs without prior permission from the instructor or staff member.
7.5 Student Protection Acknowledgement
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear after the
apprentice logs in to the Student Portal. A PDF will direct apprentices to the location of
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related policies, procedures and program information. Apprentices will confirm that they
have been duly informed by Conestoga and attest to that fact by clicking the
acknowledgement box provided in the pop-up.
Once the acknowledgement box has been clicked, the apprentice may proceed to enter
the Student Portal. An email will be automatically generated and sent to the apprentice
recognizing their acknowledgement.
The Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear to all
apprentices and students once per academic year.
8) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
8.1 Additional Resources
For additional information on campus and classroom policies, procedures and
guidelines, including the Academic Integrity and Copyright policies, please refer to the
following links to Conestoga College’s website:
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
2015-2016 Student Guide
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