Bartending
Get the competitive edge with the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience.
- Earn your Smart Serve certificate, Draft Beer Quality certificate, and Workplace Violence and Harassment certificate upon program completion
- Gain practical dexterity and professional development skills with instruction from industry professionals
- Expand your palette through sampling and tasting liquors, liqueurs, beers and wines in our newly renovated Mixology lab
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
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 palate and develop an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of spirits, liqueurs, beers and wines. It is the perfect blend of theory and hands-on experience to achieve competitive edge for your bartending career....(read more)
Overview
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 palate and develop an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of spirits, 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 such as 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.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813H
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD2191
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
Gain hands-on experience in a community bar, lounge or Algonquin College's Restaurant International. Students demonstrate their communicatio... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FOD2106
Course Name:
Wine Food and Restaurant Service
Course Description:
Restaurant service involves the service of food, wine and other beverages, as well as the preparation of tables for service, taking orders, ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HOS2061
Course Name:
Bar Cost Control and Regulations
Course Description:
Professional bartenders are expected to operate a cost-efficient bar. Students practise applying internal controls using relevant software. ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2066
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Beer, Wine and Spirits
Course Description:
A sound product knowledge of spirits generally used in the bar industry is essential for bartenders. Topics such as methods of production, d... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HOS2080
Course Name:
Mixology Practical
Course Description:
Bartenders exhibit a high degree of manual dexterity in the production of popular cocktails. Students adapt to various bar setups and become... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
HOS2082
Course Name:
Customer Relations
Course Description:
Good customer service within the hospitality and tourism industry is based on knowledge of how to interact with customers in a variety of si... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2288
Course Name:
The Dinner Party
Course Description:
Table manners are as unique to a culture as the foods they eat - how people eat varies widely from country to country. Participants in this ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
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.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate effectively with customers and staff.
- Perform beverage cost calculations.
- Perform required cash and inventory calculations.
- Prepare and implement promotional programs for a bar.
- Maintain a high standard of sanitation and safe food handling practices.
- Prepare and serve a wide assortment of mixed beverages.
- Develop knowledge of wines to advise customers regarding wine choices.
- Compare various types of beer and make recommendations.
- Discuss bar equipment and design.
- Apply basic knowledge and skills of Smart Serve certificate course.
- Apply bartending knowledge and skills acquired in a practical setting.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Supplies can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
BARTENDING
Program Code 0298X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Note: Field placement hours may be scheduled during evenings and/or weekends.
Contact
Marie-France Champagne
Program Coordinator
Marie-France has been teaching in the Algonquin College Sommelier Program since 2014 and became the Program Coordinator in 2018. More recently, she has also taken on the role of Program Coordinator for the Bartending Program.
Marie-France is herself a graduate of the AC Sommelier Program. A life-long learner, Marie-France furthered her studies with the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust Level 3 in Wines and Spirits, WSET Level 1 in Sake and French Wine Scholar program. She is currently completing the WSET Diploma (Level 4).
Marie-France teaches Grape Varieties, New World Wines, WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as the Franch Wine Scholar Certification.
Marie-France was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Algonquin Restaurant International “Wine Dinner” series, now in its third year. This successful series attracts diners from all over the city who enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings, while providing valuable food and beverage training/exposure to student servers.
When discussing wine and beverage alcohol service in the greater Ottawa area, Marie-France will often share her vision to elevate the experience across restaurants and bars in the region. “I’d like to see an Algonquin graduate in every establishment in the city”, she says. “The skills and expertise that our graduates bring to the industry help to demystify what for some can be an intimidating exercise. Our goals are to educate, enjoy and make the entire experience more approachable.”
In addition to her roles at the college, Marie-France owns “Champagne & wines”, a company specializing in consulting, food and wine events, and in-home/corporate wine tastings. She is a frequent guest on CTV’s Morning Live and is Vice-President of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
Antonios Vitaliotis
Professor
Room H204d
Antonios Vitaliotis has an extensive background in the hospitality industry that spans over 24 years with experience in all aspects of food and beverage, planning, marketing, cost analysis, sales, change management, profit and loss reports, budgeting, expense control, recruiting, course development, training, and quality management. He has worked in restaurants, catering/banquets, café bars, exclusive hotels, nightclubs, resorts, entertainment venues, retirement residences, golf courses, and as a consultant. He has successfully handled events for up to 1,200 people in house and during outside caterings.
Antonios holds a Sommelier Program Ontario College Certificate (Algonquin College), Teaching Adults Life-long Learning Certificate (Algonquin College), a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management (Algonquin College), a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management, (1994, School of Business, Toronto), a Bartending Certificate (1993, Kingston, Ontario), and a diploma in Computer Programming (1989, Athens, Greece). Antonios’ strong leadership skills and ability to motivate have served him well over the past 10 years as an educator at Algonquin College. Antonios is the recipient of the 2018 NISOD Award for his outstanding commitment and contribution to students and colleagues.
Ezio Margiotta
Instructor
Room H215
Over the past 10+ years, Ezio Margiotta has enjoyed many challenging roles within different areas of culinary services. From customer service, catering, cooking, baking, waiting tables, and hospitality positions, to supervisory roles, management positions and everything in between, Ezio has developed into a flexible and progressive leader.
Ezio always looks for new challenges and is comfortable in leading a team to deliver exceptional results to both clients and patrons. He believes in sustainable growth through teamwork and advanced service development. Aiming high all of the time, Ezio expects the best and leads by example, ensuring that professionalism always plays the lead role.
Greg Nyman
Instructor
Greg has been enjoying wine for many years, but only began his formal studies a few years ago. Until recently he was an executive for a multinational laboratory supply company.
His career took him across Canada and around the world, developing business opportunities and often finding time to experience the people, culture, food and wines of the places he visited. He continues to consult with private industry and government but has jumped head-first into the world of wine.
Greg is a graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier program, receiving his Ontario Certificate with Honours. He has completed his WSET3 (Advanced) qualification and is now studying to become a French Wine Scholar.
Working for Champagne and wines, Greg enjoys leading tastings, sharing experiences and helping others pursue their passion for wines, beer and whisky. He is also the Territory Manager for the Mellecey Wine Group in Ottawa and the surrounding area and is on the Board of Directors of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
Follow him on Twitter @TASTEwinefood and look out for special tasting events as well as Sommelier-guided tours of Greater Ottawa and Prince Edward County boutique wineries.
Greg teaches the Wine Tasting – Grape Varieties course in the Sommelier program.
Owain Devlin
Instructor
Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years in various roles, Owain Devlin started professionally brewing for Ashton Brewing Company where he specialized in open fermentation. Over the last five years with Ashton he was also enrolled with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling Diploma program and completed the Prud’homme Beer Tasting Certification.
Owain has since taken over the Brewmaster position at 1000 Islands Brewing Company based out of Brockville, Ontario.
Marc Bossé
Instructor
Marc Bossé currently works as a Bartender at a favourite neighbourhood haunt, The Third. Marc has previously worked in many different bars and restaurants in Ottawa, including the Rideau Club, Canada’s oldest private members club. His experience ranges from high-volume cocktail bars (Bar Laurel, Side Car), to Canada’s top 100 best restaurants (Fauna). He has had the opportunity to participate and compete in several cocktail competitions, notably finishing 5th place in Canada for Made with Love in 2020. More recently, Marc has completed a teaching stint in Ningbo, China. He is also a 2012 graduate of Algonquin College’s Bartending Program.
With fifteen years of work experience, he is excited to be sharing his knowledge and passion for the industry with his students. Outside of work, Marc loves eating and cooking delicious food, spending time with his family, and keeping in shape.