Overview
Are you craving to get into a fast-paced and rewarding career where you can express your creativity and passion for food? CNC’s Professional Cook program is the perfect fit for you. As a professional cook, you will be highly employable in a variety of kitchen environments. Discover your possibilities here.
Careers
Upon completion of this program, you will be qualified for jobs in the following work environments:
- Hotels
- Exotic resorts
- Cruise ships
- Local restaurants
- Fine Dining Restaurant
- Pubs and bars
- Self- Employed
Professional Cook Level 1: Indigenous Content
Located at the CNC Burns Lake Campus, this unique take on Professional Cook Level 1 will allow students to develop a solid foundation in culinary arts while incorporating elements of traditional harvesting methods and local Indigenous ingredients.
Alongside Red Seal Instructors and traditional knowledge keepers, students will work to utilize new found skills to identify exciting upcoming trends and opportunity within the world of culinary arts and Indigenous specialization.
Let's bring Indigenous knowledge and methods to the forefront while working towards a renowned Red Seal certification that can be utilized in any professional atmosphere!
Governing bodies
Next career steps
Red Seal
A Professional Cook 3 will have met all of the requirements of the national Red Seal standard for Cook. Professional Cook 3 can be taken or challenged through Skilled Trades BC.
Certified Chef de Cuisine
Red Seal cooks are eligible to become members of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF) and enroll in the Certified Chef de Cuisine program. To enrol you need to be a Red Seal cook for at least five years, and a CCF member to enter their program.
Professional Cook Courses
Fast-paced and rewarding, a career as a professional cook lets you express your creativity. You'll find jobs at hotels, exotic resorts, cruise ships and local restaurants. You might even own your own restaurant one day.
Apprentice Professional Cook
CULA 150 – Professional Cook Level 1 (28 weeks)
CULA 250 – Professional Cook Level 2 (14 weeks)
CULA 350 – Professional Cook Level 3 (6 weeks)
Professional Cook Apprentices who successfully complete CULA 350 are eligible to write the Red Seal Certification Exam.
Technical training must be completed in sequence. It is recommended to complete a full year of work-based training hours between levels to best prepare for the next level of technical training.
Training dates & how to apply
For up-to-date technical training dates at CNC visit the Trades Training BC website.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit: tools.cnc.bc.ca/applytrades.
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
Visit Trades Training BC for the most up to date apprenticeship schedules.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
14 weeks |
| Fall 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 1: Aug 17 - Mar 12 |
| Spring 2027 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 2: Mar 15 - Jun 18 |
| Fall 2027 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 1: Aug 16 - Mar 10 |
| Spring 2028 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 2: Mar 13 - Jun 16 |
Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
- Level 1: General Admission Requirements
- Level 2: Successful completion of CULA 150, or credit with the Skilled Tradeds BC for Level 1 of the Professional Cook apprenticeship program.
Food Safe Level 1 certificate must be attained before the course end date. The School of Trades and Technologies will assist students with attaining access to the Food Safe Level 1 course.
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are
expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and
follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to
CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by
common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an
industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a
safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See you school counsellor for details.
Limited Admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements.
This is called “first qualified, first accepted”. If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a
wait list.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $6,722.
- Tuition: $3,557
- Student fees: $1,338
- Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260
- Books, uniform and knife kit: $1,567
These costs are an estimate. Costs may change without notice. Student tuition and fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Supplies for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Salaries and employment
Employment growth increasing
Unemployment rate dropping
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.