Finding the recipe for career success at Camosun College

Professional Cook student Savannah Mckinnon feels they are on the right career track having developed the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive and succeed in the classroom and kitchen.

A student in chef whites works in a kithen with hands mixing something in a bowl placed on a blue chopping bowl that is on a steel countertop.

Camosun College

Professional Cook student Savannah Mckinnon

The Professional Cook program at Camosun College allows students to launch their culinary career and expand their skills in a professional production kitchen. The intensive and hands-on program will prepare students to enter the fast-paced world of professional cooking.

“The first time I really heard about Camosun was from my school counsellors after I went to them extremely stressed about my future,” says Savannah. “Before Camosun I was overthinking my future every day and worried about how I would make money. Honestly, the Professional Cook training program has made me feel like I'm on the right track. I’m excited to be waking up every day and working in the kitchen.”

While working in the kitchen during a busy lunch rush can be hectic, instructors and classmates are there to provide support and encouragement.

“The chefs keep things fun, which is nice when the kitchen is a pretty chaotic and stressful place,” says Savannah. “They’ve taught me that I need to put in the effort to get good results, to have pride in my work, and to put 100 per cent in whenever you can.”

Savannah also knows that she has a strong support after she leaves college.

“The chefs keep things fun, which is nice when the kitchen is a pretty chaotic and stressful place. They’ve taught me that I need to put in the effort to get good results, to have pride in my work, and to put 100 per cent in whenever you can.” 

- Savanannah Mckinnon, Professional Cook student at Camosun

“My classmates and I have created a strong group of friends that I know will always have my back in the industry.” 

B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook: 2022 Edition shows that British Columbians can expect a wide choice of well-paying, family-supporting job opportunities over the next 10 years, especially in the skilled trades. With 83,000 skilled trades job openings, including Professional Cook, there has never been a better time to get into the trades.

Professional Cook photo shoot - December 2022

The foodservice industry is one of the nation’s biggest employers, and opportunities for graduates of the Profession Cook program at Camosun are numerous and diverse. Find your recipe for career success at camosun.ca/cook.

Contact information

Rodney Porter

Camosun College

250-889-7494

porterr@camosun.ca