“VIU has been a tremendous asset to us. Their students have a strong work ethic and are trained in such a way that they pick up whatever responsibilities are put in front of them quickly.”
Executive Chef Warren Barr
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, BC
“The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge looks forward to welcoming VIU Culinary Co-op students to our hotel annually! The students are well prepared, trained and passionate culinary professionals. Always a great addition to our team!”
Katie Kuruliak | Assistant Director, Human Resources
The Fairmont, Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, AB
“We are very proud that all our Kitchen staff at Westwood Lake Bistro including our new Chef Christina Paterson graduated from VIU’s Culinary Arts Program. They are all well trained as highly professional cooks and have always been an asset to our restaurant. Also at the Cafe Bakery Mon Petit Choux all our pastry Chef’s and Cooks also graduated from VIU. We are so thankful that these excellent programs are offered in our community at VIU.”
Gaetan Brousseau
The Bistro at Westwood Lake, Nanaimo, BC
“As a proud alumnus of Malaspina (VIU) I hold the students of the culinary arts program to a very high standard. I have yet to be let down in my schoolmates.”
Executive Chef Matthew Batey
The Nash, Calgary, AB
“You know that, because of the addition of Brandon to our kitchen, we may be the biggest, and happiest, recipient of the quality of the students that come out of your program. We are looking forward to many more years of growth and cooperation with VIU!”
Fausto Bellicini, Executive Chef & General Manager
Cuckoo in Coombs Trattoria & Pizzeria, BC
"We have a great partnership with VIU, and hold at least 2 positions every year for students at Hillside Winery. The effort that is put into student training and placement by the VIU staff is of incredible value to both the students and to our kitchen brigade.”
Chef Robert Cordonier
Hillside Estate Winery, Naramata, BC
“The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has partnered with the VIU Culinary Arts program in the past and have been very impressed with the talent and passion of their students. We are in this for the long haul!”
Sabine Bell, Human Resources Manager
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, BC
“The Culinary Arts students from VIU have been a valuable addition to our team and we look forward to having them return next season.”
Chef Roger Sleiman, Culinary Director & Winery Chef
Old Vines – The Restaurant at Quail’s Gate, West Kelowna, BC
“VIU have helped us find some fantastic students in the past with immense talent and passion for their careers. It’s been a pleasure to work with them.”
Emma McCrudden, Performance Nutritionist
Canadian Sport Institute, Vancouver, BC
“We are immensely grateful to you for referring students from your department and program.
To work alongside our brigade during high demand periods that occurs at various times of the year.
We must commend you for producing outstanding cooks and thank you for giving them a great advantage in their respective fields.”
Executive Chef Liam Callanan
Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo, BC
“Nanaimo Golf Club is very pleased to be partnered with Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts Co-op program. They always send us professional, enthusiastic students who have been a welcome addition to our team.”
Charles Steven, Food & Beverage Manager
Nanaimo Golf Club, BC
“Being an Alumnus, I always go back to my roots and VIU always seem to pump out quality students who have great potential in our industry.”
“We have always looked to VIU for Culinary Arts students, and they never disappoint providing students with passion, skills and desire.”
“The VIU Co-op program has been a valuable asset and recruiting platform for us and they have always been focused and dedicated people who have tremendous potential in our profession.”
Executive Chef Rick Davidson
Beach Club, Parksville, BC
“I have had 2 students come here to gain culinary experience and it’s been a pleasure to work with young people who are truly interested in cooking. Experience in a professional kitchen enables them to gain knowledge from chefs, many who have travelled the world and learned how to cook international cuisine. I hope that I have been able to inspire them to become more adventurous and innovative chefs for the future.”
Chef Peter A. Scott
The Cove Restaurant, Cortes Island, BC
“As an Alumni of VIU’s culinary certification programme, I am well aware of the world class chefs/instructors on staff and the excellent quality of their respective teachings. I would never hesitate to consider a graduate of the VIU program for any position that may open in our organization.”
Chef Clay M. Sanders, Food Services Manager
Bridges Dining, Edgewood Treatment Centre, Nanaimo, BC
“I know having VIU students in my kitchen has benefited our restaurant and I always encourage anyone to do the same. It shows students what other chefs and restaurants are doing as this industry is always changing. I also encourage the students to get involved in any project like this as you should always be learning!’’
Executive Chef Brock Bowes
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery