What types of jobs will I be qualified for after I graduate?
While enrolled as a Culinary Arts student you will have a summer paid practicum placement that is matched to your ambition, skill and personality. We screen our culinary students and employers so that our culinary students are successful, and our employers want to hire you. Our Culinary Arts graduates find employment in many different locations and settings. The employment options are quite varied: for example, our Culinary graduates continue their apprenticeships at five-star hotels, resorts and restaurants while others work at camps and care facilities.
Does this program prepare me for certification with any other agencies?
You will be given one-year credit towards a cook apprenticeship as well as we will sponsor you as an apprentice during the course. This way, while you are a student if you decide to work as a cook part time, you can count these hours towards the completion of a culinary apprenticeship.
Does this program ladder into any other University or College programs?
The Culinary diploma has laddering opportunities into the VIU Hospitality Management Diploma and Degree. You can also use a completed Red Seal Certificate to transfer 60 credits towards any degree.
Is further training necessary in order for me to enter the job market?
Graduates of VIU's Culinary Arts program leave with a sound knowledge of the basics. To become a recognized chef requires years of work experience.
Will I have to travel in order to find employment in this field? If so, where would this be?
There are cooking positions in every town and city. The choice is yours. Our students have found placements locally, across Canada, USA and abroad.
On average, what percentage of the graduates get employment in the field?
Our Culinary students are in high demand. All cook students are employed while on their co-op placement. Some students will return between first and second year of the diploma and some will continue on with their employment.
What is the average class size?
16 students per instructor per class.
How much homework should I expect if I am a full-time student?
On average, homework would be about one hour per day, but some stages of the Culinary program will require more.
Are students able to compete in any competitions?
You may have an opportunity to experience regional, national and international culinary competitions. Our faculty of chef instructors has a wealth of national and international experience.
What is a typical weekly schedule in the Culinary Arts Certificate Program?
Depending on the section you are assigned to, the times are usually:
- Orientation: 7:30 am to 1 pm (Monday - Friday)
- Garde-manger: 7:30 am to 2:15 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
- Breakfast and Meat cutting: 7:00 am to 1:45 pm (Monday - Thursday)
- Pastries: 7 am to 1:45 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
- Meat cookery: 7:30 am to 2:45 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
- A la carte: 1 pm to 8 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
Is fieldwork or a practicum available in the Culinary program?
Yes. Our culinary students participate in minimum two months paid work placement during the summer of each year of the Culinary Arts Diploma Program (Certificate is first year) at the Nanaimo Campus. This is a valuable opportunity for culinary students to gain workplace experience and log apprenticeship hours. A practicum is also part of the Cowichan Campus Curriculum.