Launch your culinary career and expand your skills in our professional production kitchen.
This intensive and hands-on program will help you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enter the fast-paced world of professional cooking.
Institutional Entry
For new students with only a little or no experience in the industry or if you want a more immersive experience. This 28 week long program is intensive and hands-on, helping you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enter the fast-paced world of professional cooking.
Upon entering Professional Cook Level 1 you'll be registered as a Professional Cook apprentice, learning from experienced industry professionals while earning your technical training credit and earning work-based training hours toward your Red Seal (Interprovincial) certification. Check to see that you meet the Admission Requirements
Workplace Entry
This option is for students that have a job with an employer who will sponsor and train you, and are looking to polish their culinary skills. Apprenticeships are fast-paced and perfect for students who are dedicated and self-directed. Learn more about Workplace Entry (Apprenticeship)
Need more flexibility? The E-PPRENTICE Cook program provides the option for online delivery of the Technical Training portion of your apprenticeship.
After completing either Level 1 in Institutional or Workplace programs you can:
- confidently seek jobs in family restaurants, bistros, hotels, and large institutions such as hospitals, logging camps, cruise ships, or schools
OR
- continue with the 14 weeks Professional Cook Level 2 (Institutional Entry) program earning 240 hours of industry work-based training in the Camosun kitchens and an additional 760 hours of practical work-based training (WBT)
OR
We are one of the most successful Professional Cook Red Seal Endorsement programs in Canada.
Learn by doing while working in a professional, commercial-grade kitchen
Professional Cook training uses an applied learning approach to combine technical knowledge, supported by daily hands-on practice in professional commercial grade kitchen facilities.
Each day you will prepare breakfast and lunch for customers in the cafeteria at Helmut Huber Culinary Arts Centre, and as you advance in the programs, you will practice your fine dining skills by running the ClassRoom Restaurant.
Training is also provided on board the Camosun Cuisine Machine, the first post-secondary food truck classroom of its kind in Western Canada.
Check it out:
Earn while you learn
The foodservice industry is one of the nation’s biggest employers, and opportunities for graduates of professional cook programs are numerous and diverse.
With your Professional Cook Level 1, you can seek jobs in family restaurants, bistros, hotels and large institutions such as hospitals, logging camps, cruise ships or schools.
Following completion of the Professional Cook Level 2, you’ll be qualified to work in some of the leading hotels and restaurants locally, nationally or internationally and be able to pursue your apprenticeship by completing your Red Seal. Upon completion, you will be prepared to work in fine dining or on elaborate buffets, and large-function catering.
Professional Cook Apprentice Training
Program standards for each trade's required training are set by SkilledTradesBC.