For the first time ever in BC, Grade 11 students across the district were able to complete Foodsafe, Serving it Right and WorldHost credentials in one summer school course.

Food & Beverage Server 11, a four-credit course, was launched this summer as a way for students to explore entry-level positions in the food industry.

"What's exciting," says Ann Bolton, Principal, David Thompson Summer School. "Is that these students are completing this course ready to jump right into a job. They have expanded their resumes significantly, and can work part-time-if they want-and help support their postsecondary education."

The course included over 24 hours of industry work experience at various Whitespot locations. And during their work-study, students had the opportunity to explore different roles in each restaurant including host/hostess, busser, dishwasher and server.

In the classroom, students focused on practical skills like proper plate handling and food safety, as well as more universally transferable skills like conflict resolution, communication and problem solving.

"These are life skills, not just food industry skills," says Janet McCarron, Food & Beverage Server 11 teacher. "Working in the service industry requires an aptitude for conversation, deductive reasoning and problem solving. It's been a good challenge for many of the students."

The Vancouver School Board in partnership with go2hr, BC's tourism and hospitality human resource association, and White Spot Restaurants offer this course.