Chefs are not regulated in Canada, and specific certification is not technically required in order to work as one in this country. However, certification is strongly preferred by many employers. Plus, getting professionally certified is an excellent way of proving to future employers that you are committed to the industry and possess skills that meet industry-standard requirements and expectations. It can also be a good way of showing that you are open to continuously learning and striving to improve your skills.

 

emerit

The Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC) offers training and certification in over 40 tourism occupations from front line to management level, under the emerit brand.

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.

For a full list of training options, visit emerit’s website.

 

 

START YOUR COOKING CAREER

Many public and private colleges and trade schools, and also some high schools, offer training in the industry for both culinary professionals and those looking for training in front of house occupations like bartending or wine service and hospitality management. Most post-secondary programs group training into certificates, diplomas, and degrees, based on the number of courses and length of time it takes to complete. Many of these programs also ladder into other training such as apprenticeship or industry certifications.

NSCCHolland College

NSCC Culinary Skills Certificate

Develop the skills you need to launch a career in the food service industry. This one-year Culinary Skills certificate prepares you for work as an apprentice commercial cook and gives you a pathway to becoming a professional cook. Grow your passion for food, and appreciation for both classic and emerging culinary trends and nutrition. You learn:

• Basic cooking principles
• Food preparation
• Food culture and tradition
• International cooking techniques
• Farm-to-table food sourcing
• Food cost control
• Culinary history
• Recipe management

Learn more on the NSCC website.

Holland College Culinary Institute of Canada

1. Culinary ArtsEarn a diploma in Culinary Arts. In two years, you will learn all you need to know, from basic knife skills to advanced food preparation. Our on-site training restaurants ensure you are prepared for an exciting career in this fast-paced industry, and you earn apprenticeship hours while you are learning.
2. International Hospitality Management Study International Hospitality Management and learn how to manage all the details that make a restaurant, resort, hotel, or nightclub a great experience for customers. Our business courses complement specialized training for food service, catering and hotel operations, and you will participate in practicums in our dining room and at local hotels during this two-year program.
3. Pastry Arts Take the one-year Pastry Arts program and become a pastry chef or baker. Learn to bake breads, pies, cakes, cookies, creams and pastries. Perfect your pastry skills by creating desserts for customers of our on-site restaurants each day.

Learn more about the Culinary Institute of Canada.