FOOD HANDLERS COURSE

Many Ukrainian newcomers to Ottawa have been asking questions about employment in the food industry.

On investigation we were able to locate and connect with Olga Ostafiichuk - Public Health Inspector, Healthy Environment, Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

Olga offered to provide a Food Handler's Course (also known as a Food Safety Course) to newcomers in our Ukrainian language, and translated the course and the exam into Ukrainian as well. All FREE of charge.

A highlight of the sessions are two invited guests. The first is a representative from Employment Ottawa who provides a form to be completed by all attendees. Someone will follow up with everyone to help identify potential employers, offer to help with writing resumes and provide tips for finding employment.

The second guest (which may be different every session) is a Health Food Inspector from Ottawa. This is when everyone has an opportunity to ask questions about regulations. One of the most popular is:

What needs to be done in order to open your own Cafe or a food related small business?

As Olga is only able to certify up to 30 people at one session - and as we had a very large number who applied - we offered the course on 5 Saturdays: February 17, March 2, 16, 30 and April 13. The first four that have already been held, were highly successful.

The Ukrainian Credit Union has generously provided space, free of charge, where we are holding the sessions and we are providing lunch, tea and coffee for everyone.

Attendees were happy to gain this certificate, which helps them to approach employers within the food industry - restaurants, retirement homes, any place where food needs to be prepared or served. This certificate is valid for 5 years after which a refresher course can be taken.

UCSS Ottawa is proud to have been able to offer this most important certification and we thank all of our volunteers who made it possible.