Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

A Cook (Professional Cook 3) performs all phases of kitchen activities including the preparation and presentation of vegetables, soups, sauces, meat, fish and poultry, cold kitchen items; desserts, baking and pastry; and basic menu planning/costing; and has a knowledge of safety, sanitation, food storage, and human and customer relations. 

Workers in this position usually work under limited supervision and will be competent in the major techniques and principles used in cooking, baking, and other techniques of food preparation. They will have met all of the requirements of the national Red Seal standard for Cook. 

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes two years to complete.

The technical training is six weeks (180 hours). This block of training is normally delivered through a SkilledTradesBC approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training is 3000 hours (5000 total for the occupation). Based on a 30-hour work week this involves 100 weeks of training.

• completion of the Professional Cook 2 - Certificate of Qualification
• a signed agreement from an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship

Note: to enter the profession and culinary training the following education is recommended:

The three sections of the PC3 (Professional Cook 3) ITA Standardized Practical Assessment is another requirement with the following expectation of marks required:

1. Safety and Santitation: 5/5
2. Organization and Technical Skills: 5/8
3. Finished Products: 22/30

The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

• Cooks

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