Serve it Up!
Culinary
Experience
Hub
Serve it Up!
CULINARY CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM
The Serve it Up! program is available to Grade 10 and 11 students across Nova Scotia where industry capacity exists.
This initiative is intended to offer students a meaningful and relevant educational opportunity to explore and experience careers in the culinary trades; provide paid “hands-on” work experience under the guidance of a Red Seal Cook; facilitate the transition for students between high school and post-secondary education and provide students with an introduction to careers in the culinary trades.
Download the 2023 Student Application
Snapshot
Culinary Career Overview
Cooks prepare a wide variety of foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions and other establishments. Cooks are also employed aboard trains, ships and at construction and logging camps.
Culinary Courses & Certifications
With emerit training, you will quickly become the go-to person to assist with food preparation, storage, and maintaining a safe working environment. Kitchen Helpers trained with emerit master the tools of the kitchen trade from basic cutlery to oven operations. Learn more
Networking & Recognition
Be part of the next generation of Cooks. Learn about upcoming Culinary events and recognition ceremonies.
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency News & Events
Youth Apprenticeship
As a youth apprentice, you can earn while you learn, get a head start in a career in the trades and complete high school, all at the same time. Plus, you get exposure to the trades through the direct supervision and mentoring of a certified journeyperson. More Information
Kitchen helpers and cooks account for 20.2% of all tourism employment in the province
Apprenticeship hours required to complete the Apprenticeship Training Program for the Cook trade
Culinary in Action
Testimonials
“The program just amplified my love for cooking. I definitely want to continue my work in the culinary field and someday I would like to get my Red Seal. The people at Pictou Lodge are great to work with. They all taught me so much. I would definitely recommend this program for other students because it is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”
“The Serve it Up program is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of life in the culinary world. Giving these students a chance to gain hands on experience prior to their post secondary education will put them miles ahead in both skills and knowledge base compared to their peers who did not take advantage of such programs. Furthermore the Serve it Up program is a great way to expose Students to a Trade that provides endless opportunity, and helps employers deal with the current shortage of skilled trades people.”
T.J. Pittman,
Executive Chef,
The Old Fish Factory
“The Serve It Up program was a great experience for me, especially the fact that I was able to work in a hotel kitchen learning about hands-on experience and the necessities to become a great chef in the culinary arts.”
Jericho Rosales,
Serve it Up! Graduate