About the Culinary Arts Certificate program
In the VIU Culinary Arts Certificate you learn the fundamentals of food preparation in a modern industrial kitchen setting. Small class sizes mean you get personal attention from experienced instructors, who boast impressive resumes and industry connections. You get an in-depth education in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen management. You learn meat fabrication, ethnic cuisines, and menu development.
When you enter the program, you are registered with SkilledTradesBC as a Professional Cook 1 apprentice. This allows you to earn apprenticeship hours while you train. The program is made up of:
- 28-week Professional Cook 1 training
- 14-week Professional Cook 2 training
- 10-week (300 hours) paid work experience
You start your training with five weeks in our state-of-the art food lab. Then you move into the kitchen. You write the SkilledTradesBC Professional Cook 1 Apprentice Practical and Theory exams during the program. When you finish the program you will be qualified to write the Professional Cook 2 Apprentice Practical and Theory exams.