FAQ´s

VOTP is also known as the Vocational Office Training Program. It is a two-semester certificate program in which students gain important language and technical skills for their professional and academic careers, including job search, workplace communication, email, telephoning, Microsoft Office Suite, collaborative Google Apps (e.g. Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Drive), and keyboarding skills.

Yes, all classes are noncredit, FREE, and have no textbook cost.

Most students finish in two semesters.

Spring: Workplace & Social Communication; Computers & Microsoft Office.

Fall: Job Search; Keyboarding & Google Apps

We prefer students who can take all courses because students are part of a strong cohort that works together across classes and form a very strong bond because of this extended relationship.

In both semesters, VOTP classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:20 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 

If you have a special situation and can’t join all the courses, we suggest you contact Robert Griffiths at rgriffit@ccsf.edu and discuss the situation with him.

Yes, as long as the general ESL classes do not conflict with your VOTP classes times.

Yes, but VOTP needs a lot of time, so it would be challenging (although many students have done it successfully).

Before Covid, all classes were offered face-to-face at the Downtown campus. As of Spring 2024, all classes will be online with regular meetings in Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:20 a.m - 11:45 a.m.

You need a computer; it is much easier to do some assignments on a computer. You also need a microphone and camera, although these can be the ones that come with your computer. You can also borrow a laptop from CCSF, but the number is limited.

You need some basic computer skills; you should be fairly comfortable using a computer.

VOTP is a “program,” not just a class. Students apply, attend an orientation meeting, and are interviewed before joining the program. Students form a cohort and a strong sense of community as they work collaboratively on projects and build valuable skills. Students get many opportunities to innovate and use their creativity to participate in activities like student recruiting, presentations to teachers, and creating new ways to use technology in teaching and learning. After students finish the program, students will receive the certificate, ESL Vocational Training Certificate of Competency.

If you complete both semesters, all eight classes, complete all assignments with a combined average score of 70% or higher, and achievement of 45 WPM typing speed to qualify for an official Certificate of Achievement, which is recorded on their City College of San Francisco transcript, you will receive a non-credit certificate of competency.

There is no formal “final exam.” However, students must demonstrate their competencies by completing many assignments, discussions, activities, and projects. Some classes have final projects; for example, a mock interview or a team presentation.

It depends on the class and topic. You will be expected to attend Zoom classes three days a week. You can be expected to have three to four hours of homework per week, sometimes more, sometimes less.

The requirements for joining VOTP are as follows:

1. Students with Intermediate English Level (ESL Level 6, 7, 8, 9) 

2. Committed to a 1-year program

3. Attend Zoom classes three times a week or watch the recordings

4. Want to find a job now or in the near future

5. Or want to transfer to credit classes or a four-year university in the near future

We will just have a casual talk with you. If you would like to prepare, you could prepare to talk about your work experience, career goals, or educational plan.

If the final selection has not occurred yet, you can contact Robert Griffiths, at rgriffit@ccsf.edu. If the process has already ended, you can try again the following semester.

You will receive an email with the result within two weeks or less.

Yes, we always have a waiting list and can accept more students until the end of the first week of the semester.

Yes, you will learn important English skills for workplace communication, small talk, presentations, networking, and interviews. As we learn those skills, you learn grammar along the way.

You will gain valuable communication skills, learn how to communicate effectively via email, telephone, and face-to-face in workplace situations, learn how to network face-to-face and online, and learn about American culture and how to understand and thrive within it.

Well, it is very practical, but we also have fun, build community, collaborate on interesting projects, and learn a lot about each other.

YES! Almost all of our students get a job, change jobs, improve their working abilities, transfer to credit classes, or transfer to a four-year university. We do not get a job for you, but during the Fall semester, you will have a mock interview with a local employer (including Google, Facebook, UCSF, etc.) and you will have opportunities to network within the community.

You can apply for ANY job. We try to train you to get the kind of jobs you really want, similar to what you did in your country or what your career goals are. We have graduates who work as programmers, bank tellers, program directors, flight attendants, customer service agents, managers, content developers, translators, accountants, pharmacy technicians, and many more.

Check the CCSF VOTP website: 

https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/esl-vocational-office-training-program,  

If you can’t find the information you need, ask your teacher or contact Robert Griffiths at rgriffit@ccsf.edu.

Email Robert Griffiths to ask for more information about the program and how to apply. Robert's email: rgriffit@ccsf.edu.