Culinary Arts

Demand for skilled cooks and kitchen assistants in the region and nationally remains strong. As a Cook, you’re an artisan of food, taking dishes from concept to preparation and delivery. There is no limit to where your talent and creativity can take you.

Our skilled instructors teach you culinary fundamentals for detailed menu planning, quality ingredient selection and efficient meal preparation. You will learn in a live kitchen environment, providing cooking services for our student Bistro, banquet guests and in our signature Scholar's Dining Room.

Master your trade in occupational skills, baked goods and desserts, beverages, garde manger, meat, poultry and seafood, stocks, soups and sauces, and more.

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

1. Describe essential industry trade knowledge, such as safety and sanitary standards, and practices and procedures.
2. Exhibit professionalism and punctuality through effective time management, clear communication, high standards of quality and cleanliness, and resilience under pressure and feedback.
3. Demonstrate a variety of basic production procedures
4. Describe ordering and inventory practices
5. Describe general concepts surrounding ingredients and nutrition
6. Prepare and process stocks, sauces, a variety of starches, as well as thickening and binding agents.
7. Process meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables and fruit in a variety of ways
8. Prepare a variety of foods, including garde manger and breakfast items, egg dishes, as well as baked goods and desserts.
9. Describe the principles of baking
10. Prepare coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College as outlined in College Policy 8611: Admissions, applicants must meet the following Professional Cook Program requirements to be considered fully qualified:

1. Successful completion of Grade 10 or equivalent with passing grades in any Math 10 and any English 10.
2. For international applicants, successful completion of grade 12/secondary school from their country with a minimum of 50% in any Math 10 and English 12 as well as an IELTS 6.5 overall band score (with no band less than 6.0), or equivalent on other internationally recognized English language proficiency tests accepted by Selkirk College (See policy 8611).
3. International students may also complete Selkirk College's Level 5 Advanced in the English Language Program first, and then do ENGL 60, and would be exempt from submitting an IELTS test score or other internationally recognized English language proficiency tests accepted by Selkirk College.

1. Students work predominantly in a kitchen or lab setting. It is suggested that all applicants be in good general health, have the ability to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 25 kg.
2. Applications may be submitted up to 11 months before the program start date. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended.

1. To receive your credential in your program or move to the next semester you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00, or 70%.
2. To continue in the program and/or to graduate you may not miss more than 10% of classroom and practical training in the program.
3. If your progress in a course is not satisfactory you may be required to withdraw from the course and take an upgrading course which may be associated with an additional cost.

Required courses

Term 1

Required Courses

Term 2

Required Courses

Term 3

Required Courses