BC cooks earn their Red Seal through the Professional Cook levels; bakers have their own trade. Here is the route and where the public programs are.
Cooks take dishes from concept to plate in restaurants, hotels, camps and institutions, under fast-paced, high-standard conditions (SkilledTradesBC). Bakers measure, mix, bake and decorate under tight timelines in bakeries and food-service kitchens (SkilledTradesBC).
| Cook | Professional Cook 1 and 2, then Cook (Professional Cook 3) with Red Seal; 6 weeks of apprenticeship school over 2 years; 3,000 work hours |
|---|---|
| Baker | Foundation, then Levels; 12 weeks over 3 years; 5,040 hours; Red Seal |
| Prerequisite to challenge | A valid FOODSAFE Level 1 or equivalent (cook and baker) |
Schools list two entry types. Institution entry means you start full-time at school (Professional Cook 1, often with Level 2) before working. Apprentice entry means you are already working for a sponsor and attend school in blocks. The rows below are labelled with the type.
Fees as each school publishes them.
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver Vancouver Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | 15 weeks Culinary — NWCAV Apprentice levels · Professional Cook 1 (Workplace Entry) | 15 weeks (program title); course contributes 300 hours toward Red Seal Level I per provider page | Not published | TUITION CDN $14,950.00 — Application Fees: CDN $100 TUITION CDN $15,950.00 — Application Fees: CDN $150 TUITION CDN $16,950.00 — Application Fees: CDN $150 Uniform: CDN $498 Toolkit: CDN $795 (source) | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Professional Cook Level 1 & 2 Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 11–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 15, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver | Cook Apprentice Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 16–35 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 23, 2026 (Downtown Campus, Level 2): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 1): Open; Feb 8, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 1): Open +3 more (TTBC schedule) | Application fee / $36 Tuition / $1,602 Student union / $222 College initiative / $47 Campus resource / $65 Total / $2,529 (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver | Cook Apprentice Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Apprentice Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 5 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 11, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 2): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 3): Open; Feb 16, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 1): Open +3 more (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver | Baking and Pastry Arts (Baker) Apprentice † Apprentice levels · Baker Apprenticeship Levels 2, 3 | 3–4 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Feb 1, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 2): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Downtown Campus, Level 3): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver | Asian Culinary Arts Apprentice levels · Cook (General) Apprenticeship Level 1 | 20–33 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Apply Now / Tuition: $6,209* Application fee / $36 Tuition / $6,209 Student union / $148 College initiative / $111 Campus resource / $249 … (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver | Pastry Arts Foundation · Baker — Foundation | 45–48 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 1, 2027 (Downtown Campus): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camosun College Interurban | Professional Cook Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 14–33 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 11, 2027 (Interurban, Level 2): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Interurban, Level 1): Open (TTBC schedule) | Professional Cook Apprenticeship / $694.50 Level 1 Professional Cook Apprenticeship / $694.50 Level 2 $694.50 Level 3 (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Professional Cook Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Apprentice Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 6–24 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Interurban, Level 2): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Interurban, Level 1): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Interurban, Level 3): Open +2 more (TTBC schedule) | Professional Cook Apprenticeship / $694.50 Level 1 Professional Cook Apprenticeship / $694.50 Level 2 $694.50 Level 3 (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Professional Cook Training Foundation, Certificate Foundation · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) — Foundation | 14–28 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Professional Cook Level 1, Certificate / $3,241 (domestic) Professional Cook Level 2, Certificate / $1,620 (domestic) (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River, Port Alberni - Roger St | Begin your cooking career Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 5–28 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Campbell River, Level 3): Open; Mar 30, 2027 (Campbell River, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $2,650 Lab / $35 Student Union / $170 Learner Resource / $140 Total / $3,280 (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River | Begin your cooking career Vocational · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) — Vocational (TTBC listing) | 42 weeks | Not published | Tuition / $2,650 Lab / $35 Student Union / $170 Learner Resource / $140 Total / $3,280 (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Cowichan, Nanaimo | Culinary Arts Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 16–38 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 16, 2026 (Nanaimo, Level 2): Open; Feb 16, 2027 (Nanaimo, Level 1): Open; Mar 30, 2027 (Cowichan, Level 2): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Amount / Tuition (12 months x $519.36 per month) 291.70 / Student Activity fee (12 months x $20.78 per month) 249.36 / Student Services fee (12 months x $22.94 per month) 275.28 / VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $50.08 per month) 600.96 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Amount / Tuition (12 months x $2496.25 per month) … (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Nanaimo | Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Apprentice levels · Baker Apprenticeship Levels 2, 3 | 4 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Nanaimo, Level 3): Open; Feb 1, 2027 (Nanaimo, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Amount / Tuition (12 months x $519.36 per month) 497.54 / Student Activity fee (12 months x $20.78 per month) 249.36 / Student Services fee (12 months x $22.94 per month) 275.28 / VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $50.08 per month) 600.96 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Amount / Tuition (12 months x $2496.25 per month) … (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Nanaimo | Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Foundation · Baker — Foundation | 42 weeks | Not published | Amount / Tuition (12 months x $519.36 per month) 497.54 / Student Activity fee (12 months x $20.78 per month) 249.36 / Student Services fee (12 months x $22.94 per month) 275.28 / VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $50.08 per month) 600.96 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Amount / Tuition (12 months x $2496.25 per month) … (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Professional Cook Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Level 1 | 29 weeks | Not published | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $3,269.28 Student Association Fee: / $64.40 Basic First Aid Tuition Fee: / $199.00 Bus Pass Fee: / $100.00 Health and Dental Fee: / $240.00 … (source) | Program page |
| Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Merritt | Culinary Arts Professional Cook 1 and 2 Foundation · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) — Foundation | 28 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Professional Cook Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 9–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Domestic students / $1,070 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,070 Domestic students / $1,070 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,070 Tuition / $790 College anciliary fees / $236 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Pastry Arts Certificate Foundation · Baker — Foundation | 50 weeks | Not published | Domestic students / $6,396 estimated total program cost Estimated first-year cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $6,396 Estimated total program cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $6,396 Uniform / Jacket unisex– 2 (for 2XL and up – add $5.00 to $10.00): $40.00* Domestic students / $6,396 Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm / Semester I - estimate: $6,396 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus - Nelson | Professional Cook Program - Certificate Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 14–31 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Tuition / $3,759 Mandatory Fees / $445 Student Union Fees / $183 Health and Dental Insurance / $285 Total / $4,672 Book Costs / $762 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus - Nelson | Professional Cook Program - Certificate Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Apprentice Entry) Apprenticeship Level 3 | 6 weeks | Not published | Tuition / $3,759 Mandatory Fees / $445 Student Union Fees / $183 Health and Dental Insurance / $285 Total / $4,672 Book Costs / $762 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Professional Cook Level 1 & 2 Certificate Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 14–50 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 5, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 1): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Professional Cook Level 1 & 2 Certificate Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Apprentice Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 3 | 5–14 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 1): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Baker † Apprentice levels · Baker Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 3 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 1, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 3): Open (TTBC schedule) | Level 3: May. 3 - 28, 2027. This 4 week program will run Monday to Friday. / The cost for each level of the Baker Apprentice is approximately $538.04 plus the cost of supplies. All programs are held in person at the Culinary Arts Training Centre. (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Mountain College Terrace | Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 16–29 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Terrace, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George - Main Campus | Professional Cook L2 Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 14–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 15, 2027 (Prince George - Main Campus, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Fees* / Estimated at $6,722 Invest in your future / The estimated cost for this program is $6,722. Invest in your future / Tuition: $3,557 Student fees: $1,338 Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260 (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Professional Cook 1 Institutional Entry Certificate (CIP 12.0500) Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Institution Entry) Apprenticeship Level 1 | 32 weeks | Not published | Year 1 / $ 3,139.92 Year 1 / $ 162.46 $ 475.99 $ 3,778.37 Year 1 / $ 12,978.00 $ 289.80* … (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Professional Cook Direct Entry Apprentice levels · Professional Cook (Apprentice Entry) Apprenticeship Level 2 | 6 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Feb 22, 2027 (Dawson Creek, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Level 1 / $ 672.84 Level 1 / $ 69.23 $ 159.90 $ 901.97 Level 2 / $ 672.84 Level 2 / $ 69.23 … (source) | Program page |
Find a sponsor (usually an employer), register together on the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then complete 6 weeks of apprenticeship school of school and 3,000 work hours and pass the certification exam (70% pass mark, up to 4 attempts). A foundation program is optional and can count toward Level 1. Full walkthrough: how to register an apprenticeship; rules from SkilledTradesBC.
Foundation (optional)Usually a few months full-time. The length is on each school’s page in the table above.
Apprenticeship6 weeks of apprenticeship school of technical training spread over 2 years, in blocks of school between work periods
Work-based training3,000 hours with your sponsor
CertificationExam with a 70% pass mark and up to 4 attempts. Trade Qualifiers must pass within 24 months of approval.
Program length per SkilledTradesBC trade pages. Exam rules per SkilledTradesBC.
Published school fees, usually without tools or student fees.
| Item | Published amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation program · Camosun College | Professional Cook Level 1, Certificate: $3,241 (domestic) | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: Estimated at $6,722 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of the Rockies | Tuition:: $3,269.28 | school page |
| Foundation program · Okanagan College | Domestic students: $6,396 estimated total program cost | school page |
| Foundation program · Vancouver Island University | Amount: Tuition (12 months x $519.36 per month) | school page |
| Certification exam as a Trade Qualifier (challengers only) | $120 application, which includes your first attempt. The 2nd attempt is free; the 3rd and 4th cost $100 each. | SkilledTradesBC |
Job Bank wages for Cooks in British Columbia (2023–2024 reference period; Job Bank wage report). Journeyperson ranges, not apprentice pay. See also BC trades salaries.
EI, loans, grants and tool deductions for apprentices: apprentice funding in BC.
No. A foundation program is optional. You can register as a Level 1 apprentice once you have a sponsor. Foundation programs can make you easier to hire and usually count toward Level 1.
No, but only hours worked as a registered apprentice count toward certification.
Possibly, as a Trade Qualifier ($120, see the cost table). With less experience you can challenge a level exam instead.
Usually, yes, if you are eligible for EI. Apply for WorkBC Apprentice Services up to 4 weeks before your training starts to get the reference code you need for the EI claim.
SkilledTradesBC lists 6 weeks of apprenticeship school of technical training over 2 years and 3,000 work-based hours. A foundation program adds time at the start, but it may count toward Level 1.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.