Cooks - Level 3

Overview

Cooks - Level 3

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods

  • Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef

  • Schedule and supervise kitchen helpers

  • Oversee kitchen operations

  • Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment

  • May set up and oversee buffets

  • May clean kitchen and work area

  • May plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies

  • May hire and train kitchen staff.

Job titles

  • apprentice cook
  • assistant cook
  • banquet cook
  • breakfast cook
  • broiler cook
  • cafeteria cook

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Cooks

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$39,626

High

$52,140

Job openings

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British Columbia

4,434

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience may be required.

  • Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

  • There is mobility among the various types of cooks in this group.

  • Progression to supervisory or more senior positions, such as chef, is possible with experience and training.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Cooks - Level 3 in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Professional Cook 3
  • Professional Cook 3 Red Seal Certification

Skilled Trades Certification - Professional Cook 3

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a level 3 cook in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Professional Cook 3 Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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