Plated dessert workshop at Barry Callebaut Chocolate Factory in Belgium.
About Our Students
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Kara Shedden has always wanted to own her own ice cream shop, and now that her dream has come true, life is pretty sweet.
After graduating from Vancouver Island...
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Making quality products is what it’s all about for Medina Mayes, owner of Nanaimo’s only artisan cupcake shop. A Wee Cupcakery opened in 2010...
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For Paul Aboud, owner of the Hearthstone Artisan Bakery in south Nanaimo, his training laid the foundation that has earned his...
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Overview
Prospective students are welcome to make an appointment to visit the Baking program anytime the program is in session (September to June). Please contact Rita Gower at 250-740-6114 or program support at 250-740-6130 to make arrangements.
VIU Program and Course Calendar Information & How To Apply
Start date – late August
Next Assessment Dates - call 250-740-6416 to book your assessment
This is a 10-month certificate program designed to prepare students for a career in Baking using practical assignments in an industrial setting.
In addition to theory courses, the program covers artisan and commercial breads, rolls, sweet yeast products, pies, puff pastry, cookies, cakes, decoration, icing and finishing, French pastries, muffins, cup cakes, marzipan and chocolate. Also covered in the program are safety, conventional kitchen skills, sanitation, personal skills, and elementary management procedures. Students will also be trained in the operation and use of our wood-fired brick oven (the first in a Canadian Educational facility).
You will spend one hour each day in classroom lectures and 5 hours in practical training.
VIU's program will give you the foundation you need to become a Professional Baker. In addition, successful completion of the program will provide one year's credit towards the three-year apprenticeship program.
Check out some of our past student successes at our News & Events page.
Program Costs
See Program Costs for details regarding current fees.
(All fees are subject to change without prior notice.)
Admission Requirements
See Admission Requirements for details.
Outcomes
A Vancouver Island University Certificate will be awarded to each graduate.
Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Baker Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, graduates would return to VIU for two 4-week training sessions. See our Apprenticeship page for more information.
Career Options
Graduates of the program have found work as baker's helpers or baking apprentices in retail outlets, supermarkets, department stores, hotels, lodges, bakery-related franchises and camps.
Apply
To become a student in the Professional Baking Program, apply to VIU.
*NEW*
Students with a Red Seal Certification in a Trade are entitled to up to 60 credits of block transfer credit towards a degree program at Vancouver Island University.