Basic Occupational Education

This adult special education program offers career options in the areas of Food Services, Electronic and General Assembly, and Retail and Business Services. The program provides hands-on training to students who find employment difficult.

The program relies on systematic training techniques to prepare students for competitive employment in entry-level jobs. On-campus training takes place in laboratories and classrooms. Students who have mastered the skills taught are placed in one to three practicum sites for combined training. Job-site placements are usually four weeks in duration.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

After completion of on-campus training, students gain realistic experience through participation in job-site placements and further support into employment through 604-527-JOBS. Practicum sites are available through a variety of companies that provide further training opportunities in related industries throughout the Lower Mainland.

Location

Offered at the New Westminster Campus.

Intake Dates/Application Deadline

**Application deadlines may be extended.
Since BOE program options are individualized and self-paced, the courses are offered on a year-round continuous basis without specific completion dates. Applicants may apply at any time, but are subject to space being available and therefore may be wait-listed.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.

Admission Requirements

A preliminary interview with the instructor is required for acceptance into the program. To determine eligibility and for more information on the program and admission requirements, call 604-527-5126.

Program Duration

The program is self-paced, averaging 10 to 12 months in duration.

Credentials

Upon completion of program requirements, students receive a College citation in their area of study.

Program Content

Food Services Option
Students are trained to perform entry-level food services duties including:

• dishwashing and related duties
• bussing
• kitchen maintenance
• salad bar preparation

Students may also have the opportunity to learn basic food preparation and customer service duties. Food Services students are trained on-campus in the College cafeteria. Practicum sites include a variety of food service facilities in geographic areas serviced by the College.

Electronic and General Assembly Option
Students in the Electronic and General Assembly Option receive training that enables them to work in entry-level assembly positions in electronics and other manufacturing industries. The range of skills taught varies for each student, but typically includes:

• electronic component preparation
• printed circuit board assembly
• soldering
• cable and wire preparation
• hardware and general assembly

Job-site placements provide continued training and work experience opportunities through the application of learned skills in manufacturing firms throughout the Lower Mainland.

Retail and Business Services Option
Skills taught in this option provide students with the training required to obtain entry-level employment in a variety of work environments including retail, wholesale and warehouse worksites. Students will develop skills in:

• Retail Merchandising
• Retail Warehousing
• UPC (bar) coding
• Customer service
• Shipping, receiving, stocking