The Essential Employment Skills Certificate (EESC) will help Deaf and hard of hearing students develop necessary job and communication skills. Students will apply strategies and tools related to work experience, career research, employment skills and self-assessment. This comprehensive approach will provide the opportunities to acquire the skills and resources that enable adults to engage more confidently and participate more fully in the workplace.
What you will learn
- Demonstrate basic computer functions and access online files at the workplace
- Apply their awareness of self and others in their personal relationships and workplace interactions.
- Research and explore their personal interests, lifestyles, and career choices to develop and understand reasons for working.
- Assess possible work experience placements that may lead to employment.
- Network with appropriate contacts in order to develop an employment resource base
- Compose and edit resumes and cover letters
- Apply the necessary skills for a successful job interview
- Perform duties in the workplace with increasing levels of autonomy through work placement training, evaluation and feedback
- Identify and complete relevant employment documentation such as hiring and tax forms
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 10 months of full-time study. The maximum time for completion is 3 years.
The full time Essential Employment Skills Certificate is 10 months long from September to June. The program is divided into 3 terms that include two employment practicums. Classes are 5 hours per day, Monday to Thursday (in person) for Term 1 and Term 2. Term 3 is online and leads to the completion of the 10-month EESC certification. The Term 3 courses are also available as a 2-month short certificate for those who have some workforce experience and seek to refresh employment skills, and access guidance and support.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- DHHE 0603 English Foundations with a "S" grade or permission from the Department
- Interview with Department Leader and EESC instructor to determine student career goals, digital literacy skills and ASL competency
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to follow workplace instruction, policy and procedures
- Ability to adapt to a variety of workplace situations
- Ability to recognize common problems associated with a particular workplace and identify possible solutions
Courses *
Monday to Thursday, five hours per day.
Two weeks break between terms.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses in the program, except:
- DDHR 0619 - Work Experience 1
- DDHR 0629 - Work Experience 2
Methods of PLAR vary by course, and may include exams, professional portfolios, interviews, performance assessments, and other evaluations. Please contact the Department for details.
See VCC's D.3.5 Prior Learning Assessment Policy and Procedures for more information.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHHR 0610 | Personal Development 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0616 | Employment Skills 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0617 | Career Explorations 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0618 | Workplace Literacy Skills 1 | 3 |
| DHHR 0619 | Essential Employment Skills Work Experience 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DHHR 0620 | Personal Development 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0626 | Employment Skills 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0627 | Career Explorations 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0628 | Workplace Literacy Skills 2 | 3 |
| DHHR 0629 | Essential Employment Skills Work Experience 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DHHR 0631 | Self Awareness and Advocacy | 3 |
| DHHR 0632 | Employment Search Literacy | 3 |
| DHHR 0633 | Career Networking and Resources | 3 |
| DHHR 0634 | Workplace Conflict Resolution | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 5390 | |
| Student union | 212 | |
| College initiative | 122 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 108 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 460 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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