This apprenticeship certificate program is designed to train commercial cooks with an emphasis on both classical food preparation and basic business skills. Cooking has become an art, food preparation is more specialized, and the industry is demanding; therefore, candidates must be prepared to work long hours, be in good health, and be physically fit. To acquaint students with the working conditions that they can expect after graduation, some hands-on classes are held during the evenings or weekends in the College's Restaurant International.

This program prepares apprentices to complete all the requirements as determined by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Employment and Training Division.

Students spend 15 weeks at Algonquin College for their first in-school session and then return to the industry for approximately one year before completing the second 15-week level at the College. After completing the second level, students receive 723 hours of credit toward the 6,000 hours of on-the-job training required before they can write the provincial examination to receive the Red Seal cook certification.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Seek variety and opportunity in their career.
• Are well-organized, attentive to detail, and can work effectively under tight time constraints.
• Are energetic, outgoing, and enjoy working with others.