Bartending at Algonquin College

Get the competitive edge with the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience.

In this 14-week Bartending Ontario College Certificate program, you gain the practical dexterity and professional development skills you need to become a professional bartender. Obtain five-star service instruction from industry professionals with real-world advice and guidance.

Gain applied skills in cocktail artistry and beverage service, and learn the principles and practices of bar management in our fully-stocked, multi-station mixology and wine-tasting labs. Through sampling and tasting, expand your palette and develop an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of liquors, liqueurs, beers and wines. It is the perfect blend of theory and hands-on experience to achieve competitive edge for your bartending career.

During the Bartending program, earn certificates that give you a competitive edge when job hunting, including the Smart Serve certificate, Draft Beer Quality certificate, and Workplace Violence and Harassment certificate. Smart Serve is a mandatory certification for serving alcohol in licensed establishments in Ontario.

Expand your real-world experience with a field placement in an Ottawa bar, restaurant or nightclub. This placement gives you the opportunity to network with industry contacts.

There is a demand for qualified bartenders in today`s hospitality industry. You may find employment as a bartender in:

• restaurants
• convention centres
• resorts
• bars
• hotels
• cruise ships
• nightclubs

With further training, you may advance to positions like bar or food and beverage manager. You must be 19 years of age to apply to this program.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• Enjoy working in nightclubs or any hotel/restaurant industry.
• Prefer immediate and profitable rewards from their occupation.
• Seek to share their unique creations in a social environment.
• Are eager to network and share creative promotional ideas.
• Possess strong interpersonal and social skills.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as bartenders in a variety of establishments including bars, restaurants, hotels, night clubs, resorts, cruise ships and convention centres. With further training, graduates may advance to positions as bar or food and beverage managers.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Communicate effectively with customers and staff.
2. Perform beverage cost calculations.
3. Perform required cash and inventory calculations.
4. Prepare and implement promotional programs for a bar.
5. Maintain a high standard of sanitation and safe food handling practices.
6. Prepare and serve a wide assortment of mixed beverages.
7. Develop knowledge of wines to advise customers regarding wine choices.
8. Compare various types of beer and make recommendations.
9. Discuss bar equipment and design.
10. Apply basic knowledge and skills of Smart Serve certificate course.
11. Apply bartending knowledge and skills acquired in a practical setting.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Applicants must be 19 years of age or older prior to start of classes to be eligible to enter this program.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.