Program at a glance
Credential
Technical Training Certification
Work experience
Sponsored apprentice
Delivery
On campus or online
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
6 weeks
Professional cooks are in demand
Take your culinary technical training at Canada's most successful Professional Cook Red Seal endorsed programs.
Red Seal Cooks are in demand and work in a variety of establishments..
Flexible study options
The cook apprenticeship offers lots of flexibility and the freedom to earn while you learn.
In-class or self-paced online learning options are available for all Professional Cook training courses.
- In-person training: approx. 23 weeks per level
- Online, at your own pace E-pprenticeship option: approx. six months per level
“I learned a lot in the Culinary Arts program. It was affordable and easy to access. The chefs were all very knowledgeable and well connected in the industry.”
- Noah, The Pacific Restaurant and Terrace at the Hotel Grand Pacific
Careers in the culinary arts
Professional cooks are in demand and work in a wide range of establishments including:
- Catering services
- Family restaurants
- Fine dining
- Food inspection
- Food product development
- Household/personal chef
- Large institutions/business cafeterias
- Hotels
Camosun College is a proud supporter of the Red Seal interprovincial trades program.
Two ways to do your Professional Cook technical training
As an apprentice, you’ll spend about 80% of your time on the job, so you earn while you learn. In addition to that practical experience, you also need to sign up for technical training each year.
You can take the technical training portions of your culinary apprenticeship in person or online.
Flexible online learning option
The E-PPRENTICE Cook program provides the option for online course delivery so you can work around your schedule.
Program standards and curriculum are set by SkilledTradesBC.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Tuition
Tuition is provided for each level
Professional Cook Apprenticeship
$667.50 Level 1
$667.50 Level 2
$667.50 Level 3
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
Apprentice Employment Insurance
Apprentices should apply for Apprentice EI (Service Canada) financial support before the start of the program and up to 4 weeks in advance. Late applications may result in Service Canada denying funding.
Grants
The Government of Canada provides Funding programs and grants for training.
Program start dates
To get certified, you'll need to sign up for technical training in addition to on-the-job training. Camosun offers all Levels of Professional Cook training in-person and online.
- In-person training: approx. 6 weeks per Level
- Online E-pprenticeship option: approx. six months per Level
- Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.
Level 1: PC1 (PRCO-401)
Professional Cook 1, BC Certificate of Qualification
| Start date | End date |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2025 | October 24, 2025 |
| September 14, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
Level 2: PC2 (PRCO-402)
Professional Cook 2, BC Certificate of Qualification
| Start date | End date |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2025 | December 12, 2025 |
| November 2, 2026 | December 11, 2026 |
Level 3: PC3 (PRCO-403)
Professional Cook 3, Red Seal
| Start date | End date |
|---|---|
| January 13, 2025 | February 21, 2025 |
| September 8, 2025 | December 12, 2026 |
| January 12, 2026 | February 20, 2026 |
| September 7, 2026 | December 11, 2026 |
*All dates are subject to change.
Let's get you started
Camosun accepts applications to apprenticeship technical training programs year-round.
To apply you must have:
- A registered employer who will sponsor and train you and;
- A valid SkilledTradesBC registration number.
An apprentice must be sponsored by an employer who is registered at SkilledTradesBC. If you and your employer agree to enter into a contract for an apprenticeship, either of you may contact SkilledTradesBC to register you as an apprentice.
Professional Cook Levels 1, 2 and 3 Practical Challenge Exams
February 12 and 13, 2025
- If you have a letter of eligibility from SkilledTradesBC contact sillemn@camosun.ca to secure your spot.
- If you don’t have a letter of eligibility contact SkilledTradesBC to verify eligibility.
Learn more about the process of challenging a Skilled Trade.
Contact us
If you have registration questions please contact the Registration department.
For questions about the program contact the Trades Apprenticeship Office at 250-370-3856 or tradesinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Contact information
Trades Apprenticeship office
Campus location
Centre for Trades and Technology building (CTEI), room 102
Location link
If your inquiry is time sensitive we recommend phoning 250-370-3550. When emailing please include your full name and student number registration@camosun.ca.
Questions about your classes
For about the program contact 250-370-3856, tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the department Chair.