Every company needs employees who are patient and good at problem-solving to work in customer service and help desk positions. It can be a tough job dealing with customer inquiries and complaints, or even just helping someone find the right product or service. Ontario college customer service and help desk programs train students to succeed in this challenging career.
If you are good at communicating and thinking on the spot, and think you have what it takes for a help desk or customer service career, here’s what you need to know. More
Customer Service and Help Desk Courses
Customer service and help desk programs provide students with a fundamental knowledge of business processes and customer relations. Depending on the program, course subjects could include sales and service, troubleshooting and problem-solving, using databases and software, and dealing with difficult customers. Students will also be trained on a variety of computer applications and software for customer service purposes.
There are some Ontario college customer service programs that have a specific focus on insurance. Courses in these programs will cover the same core business theory as other programs, but will also teach insurance procedures and prepare students for broker and agent licensing tests (OTL – Other-Than-Life insurance agent and RIBO – Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario).
General Customer Service and Help Desk Program Requirements
Customer service and help desk programs at Ontario colleges require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Most programs require grade 12 English, and some may also require grade 11 or 12 math.
Business and computer studies courses may also be recommended, depending on the program.
Customer Service and Help Desk Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of customer service and help desk programs could find service and sales careers in a wide range of industries, including insurance, manufacturing, finance, government, telecommunications, technology and more. Common job titles you could in this field include:
- Call Centre Agent
- Insurance Agent
- Systems Support
- IT Help Desk Support
- Customer Care Representative
Salaries can vary depending on the industry and what area of customer service or help desk you specialize in. General customer service jobs could start between $25,000 and $30,000 per year. IT support and insurance-related customer service careers generally start higher, at around $30,000 to $40,000. With experience in the customer service industry, it is possible to move into management positions, which will also pay more.
Ontario Colleges Offering Customer Service and Help Desk Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of customer service and help desk programs at Ontario colleges. Less
