Welcome to the information page for VCC's Culinary Arts (Cook) Apprentice program, where you'll find all the details you need about admission requirements, program content and how to apply.
Apprentice training is divided into three levels, typically taken over three years. Level 1 covers the basics of soup and stock preparation; meat, seafood and poultry cooking; egg and breakfast cookery; cold kitchen; and desserts. Level 2 advances the apprentice's skills in both the cold and hot kitchens. Level 3 completes the training by requiring students to demonstrate strong, independent cooking skills that include the elements of presentation and design.
Students train in classrooms and kitchens in VCC's facility at the Downtown campus. A major portion of classroom time is devoted to theory. Instruction is provided through lectures and demonstrations to illustrate practical application of the theory. Students in Levels 2 and 3 spend an additional 50 - 60 hours on independent study and homework assignments. The college supplies a uniform while the apprentice is a student at VCC. Students must supply their own kitchen tools.
Topic
An apprenticeship is a system of training that combines work-based training with periods of formal practical and theoretical education. This theoretical instruction is provided by an approved training college or facility. Typically, apprentices take a short break from their employment once a year to complete their training. When an apprentice successfully completes a training program and attains therequired number of work-based hours, he/she earns a certificate or ticket, and becomes a journeyperson in his or her trade.
Start
Length
Credential
Campus
Part or Full‑time
Varies
Three 5-week training sessions over 3 years
VCC Transcript
Downtown
Full-time
Admission Requirements
General
VCC welcomes applications from
Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to
educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.
Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.
After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information.
Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.
Fees and Other Costs
Application Fee
Tuition Fee
No fee
$404.70 per level
Other Costs
Cost Type
Details
College initiative fee
$11.65
Student union fee
$25.18 per level
Uniform
$60
Laundry
$47.50
Other costs
Deposit is due 3 weeks after acceptance into a class. Remaining balance is due 3 months prior to start date of training. Fees are refunded according to the Refund Policy. For detailed fee information see Courses and Timetables. Textbooks and supplies: $300 All apprentices are required to wear uniforms supplied by the College. U-PAS subject to eligibility $35
- Fees are approximate and subject to change without notice. Students making advanced payments for programs/courses or installment payments for current programs, will be required to pay increased rates. The application fee is non-refundable. For more information, see withdrawals and refunds specific to this program.
Note: All course/program information including course/program content, length, admission requirements, prerequisites, start/end dates, postponements and/or cancellation is subject to change without notice.