Food Processing Technician (Optional Co-op)

This 2–year accelerated Ontario College Diploma program is delivered over 4 consecutive terms of study and includes courses on industrial maintenance, drawings and schematics, machine technology, pumps, valves, motor controls, and PLCs, as well as an introduction to food science, food processing methods, food safety, and an overview of the principles of food manufacturing.

At the Institute of Food Processing Technology’s (IFPT) one-of-a-kind, semi-industrial lab facility – the only facility of its kind in Canada – located on Conestoga College’s Cambridge campus, students get intensive hands-on experience with industrial food processing equipment to support learning and development.

Additionally, eligible students can apply for an optional cooperative education experience for their third term of study to gain valuable real-world experience. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term instead of the Guided Career Management course.

Graduates will be well-prepared for industry positions in food and beverage manufacturing and ready to support the operation, maintenance, and sanitation of equipment to ensure the production of high-quality and safe food products.

What You’ll Learn

• Operate complex and automated food processing equipment according to industry standard principles and practices.
• Use equipment, hardware, and software to support effective food manufacturing processes (e.g. PLCs & CAD Simulators).
• Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to food manufacturing.
• Apply food safety concepts to the manufacture of food products.
• Solve routine technical problems relating to the mechanics of equipment and premises typical in a food manufacturing environment.
• Create and interpret technical documentation typical in a food manufacturing environment.
• Maintain food manufacturing equipment typical in food processing, within specified operational parameters through the application of preventative, predictive, and industrial maintenance theory.
• Perform tasks effectively both individually and as a member of a work team.
• Perform tasks in accordance with legislation, safe practices, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles.