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 educational opportunity to:
- Explore and experience careers in the culinary trade
- Provide paid work experience under the guidance of a Red Seal Cook or Baker
- Provide students with an introduction to careers in the culinary trade
- Facilitate the transition for students between high school and post-secondary education
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS
Students are welcomed to complete an Expression of Interest online by December 18th, 2026. With their Expression of Interest, students must upload their Cover Letter & Resume. Completion of this step is mandatory to be able to submit their Community & Teacher References by January 22nd, 2027. All documents must be received by the dates above in order to be considered.
The Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC) recruits Red Seal Cooks & Bakers in Nova Scotia to participate as mentor employers in the program from October until the end of April for summer placements.
Students with secured placements in their area will be interviewed through a panel process with a Youth Pathways Consultant, NSTHRC, and participating employer(s). Successful applicants must be 16 years of age by May 1, 2027.
Student interviews, selection and Regional Family Information Sessions will be ongoing during early Spring. Kitchen Safety Training will take place in May or at the beginning of the student’s placement. Students who do not hold WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Food Handler’s safety certificates will be supported by their teacher to receive the training prior to beginning their summer placement.
CULINARY TRAINING
Successful applicants will participate in a five-day Kitchen Safety Training which includes Nova Scotia Best Customer Service Program. Students will also receive the National emerit Occupational Standards for Line Cook and Kitchen Helper, as a resource.
SUMMER PLACEMENT
In July and August, students receive a meaningful and relevant educational opportunity by experiencing hands-on, paid employment under the guidance of their assigned Red Seal Cook or Baker. Upon successful completion of their summer placement, the students will receive up to 3.0 Co-op credits and a 300 hour (pre-apprenticeship) incentive, to be credited to the hours needed to complete their trade (once signed up as an Apprentice).
NEXT STEPS
Submit your Expression of Interest
After reviewing the SiU – Participant & Family Guide – 2027 and confirming your eligibility to the program, talk to your teacher about supporting your interest in Serve it Up! Your teacher will provide you with the Expression of Interest link. (French Version) You’ll be asked to include your Cover Letter and Resume in the Expression of Interest and submit them by December 18th, 2026. It’s a good idea to start working on obtaining and references by using the following forms due January 22nd, 2027: Community Reference Form (French Version), Teacher Reference (French Version)
Request a Class Presentation at your High School
Co-op and O2 teachers can contact our office to book a Culinary Career presentation where a Red Seal Cook or Baker will speak to the trade.
Already employed in the Food & Beverage Industry?
Let’s talk about how your current employer can become part of the Serve it Up! program, enabling you to stay where you’re comfortable while obtaining all the benefits of the program. Potential employers can submit an Employer Expression of Interest as well.
Contact us!
Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC)
6589 Chebucto Road, Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 1L9
Phone: 902.423.4480
Fax: 902.422.0184
Email: pam@tourism.ca