Professional Cook
Overview
Assiniboine’s one-year Professional Cooking Certificate program equips students with foundational culinary skills and essential industry knowledge to begin entry-level employment in professional kitchens. This intensive 32-week program emphasizes practical experience and core techniques in cooking, baking, food safety, nutrition, and kitchen operations. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in a wide range of food service environments.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the one-year certificate program will be able to:
- Demonstrate fundamental skills in culinary preparation and presentation using classical cooking methods.
- Apply basic principles of food and bake science in the preparation of a variety of dishes and baked goods.
- Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
- Safely operate kitchen tools and equipment in accordance with industry health and safety practices.
- Plan and prepare basic menus that reflect nutritional principles and accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Apply introductory costing and inventory control principles to support efficient kitchen operations.
- Use standard kitchen technology and equipment to support food production processes.
- Communicate and work effectively as part of a kitchen team, demonstrating professionalism and interpersonal skills.
- Reflect on performance to support continuous learning and development in the culinary field.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 40G/40S or equivalent
- Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40S or equivalent
- Must be 18 years of age by program start date
If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements. Minimum score required for this program is IELTS 5.5 or equivalent with no sub score less than 5.0 or equivalent.
Applications opening soon!
Check back soon to secure your spot in the program.
Don't meet admission requirements?
If you don’t meet admission requirements, visit our Centre for Adult Learning to upgrade courses or view assessment of special circumstances.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Resorts
- Institutional kitchens
- Catering companies
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
This program features a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, elegant Great Grey Owl dining room and culinary theatre all located in the beautiful heritage building shared with the Hotel and Restaurant Management program. Together these students gain hands-on experience by hosting a variety of events that are open to the community.
ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
Credits | 60.0 |
Tuition | $4,010 |
Course Fees | $2,260 |
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $580 |
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $1,540 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
Credits | 60.0 |
Tuition | $16,440 |
Course Fees | $2,260 |
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $580 |
Required Health Insurance | $750 |
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $1,540 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Courses
To graduate with a Professional Cook certificate, students must successfully complete 60 credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Course List
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Breakfast Cookery (COOK-0004)This course includes basic preparation, cooking and serving of egg dishes and breakfast items for an a la carte menu as well as for a buffet. This course also includes related dairy products. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Cooking Fundamentals (COOK-0079)This course provides an overview of the cooking profession and the food service industry. It includes information on sanitation, safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), first aid and safe food handling. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Cooking Principles (COOK-0080)This course provides information and practical experience on how to follow a recipe, use seasonings and flavours, as well as perform mise en place. The importance of basic nutrition is highlighted. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Culinary Applications 1 (COOK-0081)This course includes student participation in special projects and functions with closely supervised guided learning. Projects are chosen to match the abilities of year one students. The learner rotates through several stations to develop the skills, techniques, knowledge and critical thinking experience necessary to succeed in industry. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Culinary Skills (COOK-0082)Prerequisites: COOK-0014 FoodSafe 1 & COOK-0079 Cooking Fundamentals |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Fire Safety (WRKP-0021)This awareness seminar is provided by the City of Brandon Fire Department. Participants learn to identify various fire types and understand their individual characteristics. Fire hazard identification and fire safety procedures are demonstrated in relation to food service operations. Participants learn the functions of a fire extinguisher, coupled with a practical learning exercise demonstrating proper handling and extinguishing techniques. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
FoodSafe 1 (COOK-0014)This seminar, delivered by Manitoba Health, is a must for owners, managers, supervisors, chefs, cooks, and other personnel responsible for purchasing, handling, preparing and serving food. FoodSafe is a nationally-recognized seminar that addresses the relationship between microbiology and food-borne illness, safe food handling, personal hygiene habits, effective cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils, and measures to ensure a clean, safe food service operation. Participants who pass the examination receive a nationally-recognized certificate which is valid for five years. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Garde Manger 1 (COOK-0005)This course includes the basics and practical skills of cold food preparation. Topics include salads, dressings and sandwiches as well as plate presentation and garnishes. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Hospitality 1 (HOSP-0028)Prerequisite: HOSP-0052 Smart Choices |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Level 1 Final Practical Cook (COOK-0096)Prerequisites: COOK-0174 Stocks, Soups and Sauces 1, COOK-0087 Vegetables/Fruits/Starches 1, COOK-0005 Garde Manger 1, COOK-0074 Patisserie 1 and COOK-0010 Meats and Poultry 1 |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Level 1 Final Theory Cook (COOK-0098)Prerequisites: COOK-0174 Stocks, Soups and Sauces 1, COOK-0087 Vegetables/Fruits/Starches 1, COOK-0005 Garde Manger 1, COOK-0074 Patisserie 1 and COOK-0010 Meats and Poultry 1 |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Meats and Poultry 1 (COOK-0010)In this course students learn meat and poultry varieties, grading and inspection, cooking methods, seasoning and marinating techniques, testing for doneness and quality of finished products and presentation with accompaniments. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Menu Planning and Food Costing (COOK-0083)This course examines three major areas of cost control: food, beverage and labour costs. Students learn to coordinate activities to prepare for banquets and dining room service. The use of computer software for ordering, inventory and cost control is included. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Patisserie 1 (COOK-0074)This course introduces students to basic principles and techniques of baking. The learner becomes familiar with the formulas, measuring and ingredients used in the baking process through the production of pies, yeast products, cakes, desserts, cookies and pastries. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Smart Choices (HOSP-0052)Smart Choices is a new responsible service training program, focussing on current laws, safety requirements, and responsible strategies when serving and selling liquor. This training helps people who sell and serve liquor and those who offer gambling in their establishments, understand the legal requirements and put in place responsible strategies to reduce risks and harm. This certification is a legal requirement in Manitoba for anyone serving in, supervising, managing or owning a licensed establishment to increase public safety. Certification through Manitoba Tourism and Education (MTEC) will be awarded after successfully completing the exam. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Stocks, Soups and Sauces 1 (COOK-0174)This course covers basic areas of stocks, thickening agents, soups and sauces. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Vegetables/Fruits/Starches 1 (COOK-0087)This course gives students a basic understanding of how to prepare and cook vegetables, fruits and starches. Students learn how to handle, as well as the proper techniques to preserve quality and how to retain texture and nutritional value. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
WHMIS 1 (HLTH-0047)If you work in the proximity of hazardous materials, this awareness course is for you. As an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), this course covers safe work habits with hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and labelling of hazardous materials. This course is presented in a straightforward, non-technical manner. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |