Have a passion for food? Gain the fundamental knowledge needed for successful employment as a cook in one of the many areas of food service. Starting with the essentials, students will navigate 50 weeks of experiential learning, with time spent daily in the campus kitchens, opportunities at Infusions Restaurant and co-op work experience terms.
Students will participate in a 10-week Co-op placement (course CA 250), that will introduce students to real workplace environments, as well as provide perspectives to industry standards and expectations.
Please note that to complete Professional Cook 2, students require an employer to sponsor them as an apprentice and they will need to complete an additional 760 work based hours.
The Culinary Arts Certificate (and Year 1 of the Culinary Arts Management Diploma) is designed for students who are passionate about exploring a career in the restaurant, food service and hospitality industries.
Learner centered, industry driven and community connected, this 50 week (1,500 hour) program provides the fundamental skills needed for successful employment in the culinary field.
The immersive, experiential curriculum takes full advantage of the Okanagan Valley's rich agricultural history. Shaped by ancient geological forces, students will continue to realize the benefits today using the products of its many farms, orchards and vineyards in our teaching kitchens.
The applied learning style of instruction provides students with opportunities to practice and directly employ culinary skills in context while participating in authentic learning activities individually, in pairs and teams. Proper techniques and practices are reinforced while providing opportunities for exploration and experimentation as tied to related course concepts.
Apprenticeship technical training credit for Professional Cook Level 1 and Level 2 and 600 work based hours for Level 1 and 240 work based hours for Level 2 will be granted by SkilledTradesBC upon successful completion of this program. Apprenticeship practical training credit will also be granted by SkilledTradesBC as a result of prior practical experience.
Students must provide proof of completion of the co-op or other 400 work-based hours and successfully complete all Level 1 components prior to advancing to Level 2 components of the program. Upon successful completion of Level 1 and Level 2 requirements, students are eligible to challenge the Provincial Cook Certificate of Qualification examinations for Level 1 and Level 2.
Students wishing to pursue the Professional Cook Red Seal endorsement must provide proof of a total of 5,000 work-based hours and complete Level 3 technical training.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
January 2025
Okanagan College
Kelowna Campus,
1000 KLO Road,
KELOWNA,
British Columbia (BC),
V1Y 4X8, Canada
B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
English 10 with minimum 50% or alternatives.
English requirements
Canadian secondary school English 12: 60% or 70%
IELTS Academic: 6.0 or 6.5
TOEFL: 79 on IBT
Duolingo: 105 or 110
Okanagan College English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Level 3
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Okanagan College goes beyond just delivering an outstanding education, it helps students find their career and gain all the skills needed to succeed.