Apprenticeship is a method of gaining the expertise needed to become a skilled tradesperson. This is done through a combination of on-the-job and classroom training.
The cook apprenticeship term is 3 years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
Once training has been completed, the apprentice writes provincial examinations set by the Government of Alberta and becomes certified as a journeyperson.
Period Descriptions
Period 1
The first period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are trained in kitchen orientation, trade mathematics and management controls, butcher shop, saucier, entrementier, pantry, breakfast, beverages and dairy products, bake shop and value-added products.
Period 2
The second period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are provided further training in kitchen orientation, trade mathematics and management controls, butcher shop, saucier, entrementier, pantry, breakfast, dairy products, and bake shop, as well as nutritional components.
Period 3
The third period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are provided advanced training in kitchen orientation, trade mathematics and management controls, butcher shop, saucier, entrementier, pantry, breakfast, and bake shop, as well as wine, spirits and beers, and train-the-trainer.