Student Experience
What to Expect
Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Culinary Skills – Cook II Apprenticeship program.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“After a few years of working my way around kitchens in Ottawa (Brookstreet Hotel’s Perspectives Restaurant and Restaurant E18hteen) I decided to pursue my longtime dream of working as a chef in London. I applied for a Visa, got accepted and bought a plane ticket. Within days I had a few trials (free labor to show off your skills) and I took the first job I got offered – at Maze by Gordon Ramsay, awardee of one Michelin star. I was in awe; it was a dream come true. The ten months I worked there are a blur. It’s hot, focused, hands-on, sixteen-hour days but totally worth it. I even met Gordon himself a few times. And the hard work is far from over. I am currently working at Gordon’s most prestigious oldest restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. It is an awardee of three Michelin stars which is the best rating you can receive. Having the opportunity to cook alongside talented chefs and produce some of the finest food is what I love, why I do it, and definitely worth it. Algonquin gave me the proper knowledge behind the foundations of tools and essentials required to be a chef. After that it comes down to your own drive and determination, style and palate.”
– Amy Brown, Graduate
“The Culinary Skills – Cook II Apprenticeship program caters best to young chefs who want to gain hands-on and real-life experience in the work place. The program gave me the knowledge, skills, techniques and confidence to run my own kitchen at the age of 20. Working at some of Ottawa’s Top restaurants such as Navarra, Atelier, Brookstreet Hotel, Zen Kitchen, Next, and Restaurant 18 helped shape the creative mind I have today. I’m excited to be part of the growing food scene in Ottawa.”
– Imrun Texeira, Graduate
Congratulations to Culinary Skills – Cook Apprenticeship alumnus Kristine Hartling, Executive Chef at Oz Kafé, Byward Market, Ottawa.
Work-Integrated Learning
Students in Culinary Skills – Cook II Apprenticeship learn the skills required for professional food preparation from highly-qualified professional chefs in Algonquin’s world-class culinary labs. Get a taste of your career from real-world experience in Restaurant International, Algonquin’s own fine-dining restaurant.
The program begins with 14 weeks of in-class instruction, followed by one year of work in the industry. Expand your work experience portfolio and gain valuable contacts before returning to Algonquin College to complete another 14 weeks of in-class learning. After completing the second level of in-class sessions, you receive 720 hours towards the 6,000 hours you`ll need to write the Red Seal cook certification exam.