Program Description:

Transform your passion for the culinary arts into a professional career. The Cook Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed to align directly with the Ontario Cook (415A) Training Standards, providing students with the essential technical and theoretical foundations required to excel in a modern professional kitchen. By bridging classroom instruction with paid industry experience, you will develop the precision, discipline, and speed demanded by the province’s top culinary employers.

Specifically, Cook Apprentices will explore:

• Professional Kitchen Operations: Gain proficiency in the "Brigade System," kitchen hierarchy, and the maintenance of commercial tools and equipment.
• Safety & Sanitation: Complete comprehensive training in food safety (HACCP), workplace safety (WHMIS), and the prevention of cross-contamination.
• Technical Culinary Foundations: Learn fundamental techniques including knife skills, the preparation of classical stocks, and the "Mother Sauces."
• Protein & Produce Fabrication: Learn the basic standards for identifying, cleaning, and preparing common cuts of meat, poultry, and fish. Learn the basics of vegetable fabrication including precision knife cuts, proper washing, storage and preparation of fresh produce.
• Baking & Pastry Fundamentals: Learn the basics of baking including skills in yeast-based doughs and pastry production.

This full-time program will take place in person on weekdays. A 12-week paid work placement will follow the in-class training. Successful participants will receive the equivalent to Level 1 in-class training as well as health and safety training, Safe Food Handler, WHMIS, Smart Serve, Knife Skills and Safety, and First Aid and CPR. Plus, you'll gain valuable work experience!

Canadore College will supply you with all the necessary textbooks, tools, and PPE. Transportation and dependent care may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Application Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and legally entitled to work in Ontario
• Have an Ontario secondary school diploma (OSSD) or grade 12 equivalent*
• Be able to provide proof of identification, SIN, and education
• Be able to commit to a full-time, 14-week training program plus a 12-week paid work placement
• Have access to a computer or internet
• Collection of personal information & a consent form is required.

*If you don’t have a copy of your transcript or diploma, you may request a copy by contacting your high school, board of education or adult training centre. Please start this process as soon as possible, as it can take up to two weeks to get your transcript.

If you are interested in applying for this free training program, please click the link below and complete the application form.

View Application Form

QUESTIONS?

ACE@canadorecollege.ca
705-474-7600 ext. 5155