There are different steps you can take on starting your journey as a chef.
Get admission in an accredited Culinary Arts School
There are many great Culinary Art Schools in Canada. You can learn and work in a local restaurant. Accredited culinary schools are an important and recommended place to getting to know how to make different dishes.
Applying to a College or University focusing on Hospitality Management
Many of the top universities and colleges in Canada offer a 4-year-old degree in hospitality management. They focus on making students know about the restaurant business and know how to run successful food businesses.
Start working as an entry level helper in a restaurant
One easy way of learning to becoming a chef is to start as a helper in any restaurant. You can start working as a helper and start learning the trade from day one. The main chef teaches you how to cut tomatoes and also make soup.
There is no substitute for experience. As a helper you can work as a food runner, server, dishwasher and even a food helper. All are roles you need to work as to learn the art of becoming a chef.
Complete GED or High School Diploma
All culinary schools and colleges require students to have completed their high school diploma. This is the basis for admission in any accredited program. This can be a 2-year diploma or a 4-year program in culinary arts.
Some of the top culinary schools only give admission to top students. So you need to ensure you get top scores. Be ready to complete your high school diploma.
Pursue internships in leading restaurants
Many of the culinary schools offer internship to top students. Make sure you take full benefits of the internships available. This is a great way to get practical experience.
Many of these restaurants hire the students after they graduate from the culinary school.
Get yourself certified as a chef
Another important pathway of becoming a chef is to become certified. There are many benefits on becoming certified as a chef from an accredited program.
- You have a better chance on getting a job in a top restaurant
- Become eligible for international restaurants around the world
- More marketable than other chefs. Certified chefs are more in demand.
- Higher salary packages.
- Niche specialists. You become a specialist as a particular chef expert.
Canadian Culinary Institute is the sole organization that accredits chefs across Canada. Here are the main certification programs by Canadian Culinary Institute:
- Certified Chef De Cuisine (CCC): This is the most sorted and coveted chef certification that Canada offers. This certificate endorses your skill as a chef. You have to pass a comprehensive theory exam and also two practical examinations. Top chefs judge you on how you prepare and make dishes.
- Certified Master Chef (CMC): This is a different course level for chefs trying to be experts and wanting to learn different skills. You have to commit at least 2 years to this certification program. You will be learning about baking and pastry and product knowledge on the purchasing of items. Furthermore, you learn how to manage a restaurant.
- Red Seal: This is more of an endorsement that is recognized by all Canada food industries.
Certified Master Chef (CMS) Route on becoming a Chef
The Canadian Culinary Institute administers this special program. This is the newest certification in Canada. It is also the most coveted and endorsed outside of Canada as well.
Many other agencies and bodies endorse and recognize this program. Canadian Tourism department fully supports this certification. There are prerequisites to getting admitted to this program. Below are the main prerequisites for this program:
- Ensure you have the Canadian Red Seal certification.
- At least 5 years of experience after receiving the Canadian Red Seal Certification.
- A CCI – Certified Chef de Cuisine designation or international equivalent (CEC designation from the ACF).
- HACCAP Levels 1 and 2
- Endorsements and letter of recommendations from leading restaurants and other chefs.