Professional Cook Program - Certificate
Hide Overview
There are no limits to where your culinary career can take you with employment options in five-star dining rooms to crafting perfect eggs benny at your favourite brunch spot.
As a provincial SkilledTradesBC for professional cooks 1, 2 and 3, our skilled instructors teach you culinary fundamentals for detailed menu planning, quality ingredient selection and efficient meal preparation. Learn the complexities of a creative menu and go on to master kitchen skills as you achieve our most advanced credential, the national Red Seal certification.
You will learn in a live kitchen environment, providing cooking services for our student cafeteria, banquet guests, at regional competitions and in our signature Scholar's Dining Room.
Join us for an upcoming Info Session
Master Your Trade
- Occupational skills
- Baked goods and desserts
- Beverages
- Garde manger
- Meat, poultry and seafood
- Stocks, soups, sauces and more
Professional Cook Apprenticeship Training
Selkirk College offers three certificate levels of the SkilledTradesBC provincially standardized apprenticeship cooking program leading to Red Seal certification. SkilledTradesBC provincial apprenticeship exams in both practical and theory are administered at the end of each level of training.
Show Level 1
Professional Cook 1 (PC1) is a 28-week, 600-hour credit, SkilledTradesBC provincially standardized apprenticeship program designed to train you for employment. This program teaches all of the foundational culinary skills and prepares students for workplace practicums in restaurants, hotels and resorts.
After successful completion of PC1, you are eligible for a one-time SkilledTradesBC $1,000 grant.
Show Level 2
Professional Cook 2 (PC2) is a 14-week, 240-hour credit, SkilledTradesBC provincially standardized apprenticeship program that builds on foundational skills and more advanced cooking techniques, including a la carte service in our fine dining Scholar's Dining Room, as well as high-end banquets and gala events.
After successful completion of PC2, you are eligible for a one-time SkilledTradesBC $1,000 grant.
Show Level 3: Red Seal certification
Please contact Trades Admissions for further information.
Professional Cook 3 (PC3) is a six-week, Red Seal certification. This intense program is the final step in your training to becoming a Red Seal chef. Here you will merge your culinary skills and knowledge into competency in the major techniques and principles as well as gaining new skills in charcuterie, menu planning and costing and in valuable leadership strategies.
Upon completion of the program, students will be competent with all of the major techniques and principles used in cooking, baking and other aspects of food preparation. In addition to demonstrating a mastery of cooking skills, a professional cook at this level should be able to plan and cost menus and recipes and have an understanding of the communication skills necessary to take a leadership role in the kitchen.
After successful completion of PC3, you will gain Red Seal certification and a one-time SkilledTradesBC $2,000 grant.
Take Your Education Further
After completion of Professional Cook 1-3, you’ll be set to enter our Culinary Management Diploma Program.
Chefs, food and beverage managers and restaurant owners today need business, leadership and human resource skills in addition to a strong culinary foundation. This program provides fundamental management skills for students with culinary backgrounds looking to manage, own or operate a food and beverage business.
Youth Train in Trades
Youth Train in Trades is designed to help secondary school students get a head start on careers in the trades while earning credit toward their high school graduation. Learn more at SkilledTradesBC.
For more information, speak with your high school guidance counsellor or get in touch.
This program is held at the Tenth Street Campus in beautiful Nelson, BC.