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Culinary Skills

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Program Code: 14071
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 2 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

From the business side of hospitality, Humber’s Culinary Skills certificate program prepares you for a career as a professional chef. Gain theoretical and practical skills while learning in cutting-edge labs and real-world settings with the latest kitchen technology and equipment.

Many graduates of this one-year program continue on for another year and complete the Culinary Management diploma program or enter our Cook Apprenticeship program.

The curriculum for this program is similar to the first year of the Culinary Management program. This allows students to transition into that program after the first semester or at the end of the second semester with bridging courses. Alternatively, students are able to move into the Cook Apprenticeship program, provided they have an eligible employer.

Work-Integrated Learning  

Qualified students will complete a seven-week in Semester 2. This unpaid field experience takes place in the kitchens of leading hotels or restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area.

Humber Advantages

Student chef smilingExplore Pathways to Certified Master Chef
Students working in the culinary labExplore our State-of-the-Art Labs
woman shaking hands with another personFind out what Internship Partners you can work with
judges tableStudent Competitions are a great learning experience
culinary student working in kitchenStudents in Action #enterhumber
culinarycontest
person's hands holding food scrapsWatch an Interview with Professor Chef Shonah Chalmers about Food Sustainability
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Choose a program and pathway that leads all the way to Certified Master Chef

 

Humber Culinary & Baking Programs:

Culinary Skills

Ontario College Certificate

Launch your career quickly or use pathways to further your education.

Cook Apprentice

Ontario College Certificate

Work while you learn.

Culinary Management

Diploma

Baker Apprenticeship

Ontario College Certificate

Baking & Pastry Arts Management

Diploma

Humber Pathways:

Transition into Culinary Management Diploma after semester 1 or 2, or into Cook Apprentice with an eligible employer.

Graduates of Cook Apprenticeship can continue for 2 further semesters to add a Culinary Management diploma to your resume.

Graduates of either Culinary or Baking & Pastry Arts Management program can continue for 2 further semesters to add a second diploma to your resume.

Graduates of Baker Apprenticeship can continue for 2 further semesters to add a Baking and Pastry Arts Management diploma to your resume.

Graduates of either Culinary or Baking & Pastry Arts Management program can continue for 2 further semesters to add a second diploma to your resume.

Skills, knowledge, experience you will gain:

Contemporary Culinary Skills and Techniques, Butchery, Large Quantity Cooking, Food Safety & Sanitation

Menu planning, Butchery, Garde Manger and Charcuterie, Nutrition, Baking, Purchasing, Product Management

Contemporary Level Food Presentation, Styling Techniques and Various Butchery Processes.

Costing, nutrition, bread & baking applications, cake/cookie production, decoration/design, confectionery, product management.

Hands-on Baking, Product Development, Food Sales & Marketing and Food Styling.

Experiental Learning

224 hrs (16 hours (2 days) a week x 14 weeks)

Apprenticeship

224 hours (16 hours (2 days) a week x 14 weeks)

Apprenticeship

Work placement time?

Career possibilities:

Trained chefs can work worldwide in corporations, golf clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retirement homes, cruise ships.

Cook in a variety of restaurants or hotels within a variety of culturally diverse cuisines.

Work worldwide in corporations, golf clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retirement homes, cruise ships or your own business.

Work worldwide in corporations, golf clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retirement homes, cruise ships or your own business.

Create and market new bakery products, design wedding cakes, work in hotels, golf clubs, banquet halls.

Program Completion:

Complete 1 year certificate

Complete 2-year certificate

Complete 2-year Diploma

Complete 2-year certificate

Complete 2-year diploma

Industry Recognition:

World Association of Chef’s Societies (WACS)

Open to View All Future Pathways and Industry Certifications 

Certification Opportunities:

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Humber Expanded Pathway Options  :

1 year Culinary Management Diploma

WACS (World Association of Chef Societies) fast track to Commis Chef Certification

WACS (World Association of Chef Societies) fast track to Commis Chef Certification

Complete training standards manual through sponsor (3-4 years)

1 year Culinary Management Diploma

1 year Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma

Complete training standards manual through sponsor (3-4 years)

1-year Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma

On-the -job Experience/Training (3-4 years)

On-the -job Experience/Training (3-4 years)

On-the -job Experience/Training (3-4 years)

Comprehensive Pathways to Foodservice Certifications:

Red Seal Certification Exam- Chef De Cuisine / Baker Patissier

Red Seal Certification Exam-Chef De Cuisine

Red Seal Certification Exam- Chef De Cuisine / Baker Patissier

Red Seal Certification Exam- Chef De Cuisine / Baker Patissier

Red Seal Certification Exam-Baker Patissier / Chef De Cuisine

On-the-Job Training (5 years), Supervisory Experience (2 years)

Certified Chef de Cuisine (Canadian Culinary Institute)

On-the-Job training (3 years) HACCP Training

CMC-Certified Master Chef

Learning Labs

Humber is the home of the Canadian Centre of Culinary Arts & Science, Canada’s leading centre of excellence in culinary education, apprenticeship training and culinary research and development.

  • Kitchen Lab Facilities
  • On-Campus Restaurant Training Facility
  • Wine Tasting and Demonstration Lab

instructor demonstrating technique to culinary students

culinary student in front of stove

instructor demonstrating to culinary students

culinary students holding bowl

Internship Partners

Antler

Cactus Club Café

Delmanor

Earls Restaurant

Royal York - Fairmont

Four Seasons

Granite Club

Hilton

Hilton - Toronto

Joey Restaurant

JW Marriott

Langdon Hall

Pinnacle

Sodexo

Placement Testimonial

Our Industry Partner, Woodbine Entertainment, is always happy to welcome student interns into their organization. Here's what they had to say about our students in their latest company newsletter:

"[The Culinary Management and Culinary Skills programs] have given us the ability to develop a talent pipeline and an opportunity to hire some amazing individuals.

The purpose of the internship is to provide the Culinary Arts students with an opportunity to work in an industry kitchen. The hands-on experience gives each student a greater insight into the day-to-day operation, the stress of real timelines, the importance of being punctual and a better idea of their future career."

Student Competitions & Events

Iron Chef 2022

Watch the video to see culinary student compete in the 2022 Humber Iron Chef competition. 

Students cooking in Nestle Competition

Watch the video to see culinary student compete in the 2019 Nestlé Young Culinary Talents Competition.

WENTT Video

Watch the video and see Humber and the Longo Faculty of Business host the Women Entering Non-Traditional Trades Conference. 

Learning Garden Video

Watch the video to find out more about the Longo Faculty of Business' learning garden containing local and sustainable foods.

BTV Culinary Lab Live

Watch the video to see Culinary faculty and students on Breakfast Television. 

Nestlé Professional Food Truck Challenge video

Watch the video to see Humber students compete in the Nestle Professional Maggi & Minors Food Truck Challenge.

Savvy Dinner

Watch the video to see Humber culinary students compete in the Savvy Diner Challenge.

people working in kitchen

In June 2021, CHCH Morning Live visited the Humber culinary labs, watch the clip.

Humber Culinary Contest

student decorating plate of food
culinary student working in kitchen
long plate of food
close up of food
plate of fish
plate of sushi
grilled skewers on serving board
person standing behind counter of food plates
plate of chicken and greens
culinary student working at grill
close up of food
culinary student using grill
three culinary students preparing food
plate of fish

Culinary Professor Shares Expert Tips on Minimizing Food Waste

Culinary Professor and Chef Shonah Chalmers, known for her expertise and commitment to sustainability, was featured in an interview on CP24, where she shared tips on how the average consumer can extend their dollar at the grocery store by minimizing food waste.

Uniform Orders

All students will need to purchase a uniform for this program. Place your order today by following the link below. Current students can order extra uniform items by emailing grace.regala@humber.ca to arrange payment and curbside pick-up.

Study Abroad

Each year we offer a variety of experiential learning trip opportunities for students to study abroad. Our annual short duration experiential trips in May are approximately two weeks in length. These faculty-led study abroad trips are confirmed in the Fall semester.

These trips vary each year and are subject to availability and eligibility requirements. Additional fees apply.

Your Career

Launch your career as a chef in the $60 billion Canadian foodservice industry with our intense and dynamic program.

Trained chefs are always in demand in locations such as:

  • corporations worldwide
  • golf clubs
  • hotels
  • resorts and stadiums
  • restaurants
  • retirement homes
  • trains and cruise ships

From line cook to magazine test kitchens and airline headquarters, the diversity of venues for the chef’s art and science is unmatched. And if you’re among those who dream of owning your own restaurant or bar, this is where you can start.

Train with world-class faculty, including multiple award-winning chefs, and follow in the footsteps of the many provincial and national competition award-winners and Olympians this program has produced.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS)

The program is recognized by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) for meeting or exceeding the WACS standards of quality culinary education.

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Block-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Humber Graduates Score Multiple Culinary and Hospitality Awards

Six people smiling during interviews

Six award-winning Longo Faculty of Business alumni and faculty are excelling in the food and hospitality industry. Watch the video to learn more about their career journeys, accolades and how Humber has contributed to their success.


News Feed

Yes Chef! How to go From a Humber Culinary & Baking Program to becoming an Executive Chef!

Yes Chef! How to go From a Humber Culinary & Baking Program to becoming an Executive Chef!

Fri, March 15, 2024

Mar 20, Apr 3 & Apr 18, 2024

Register Now  

These students are feeding hungry people while preventing food waste

These students are feeding hungry people while preventing food waste

Fri, December 29, 2023

A group of culinary arts students at Humber College received a surplus of meat that was close to its best-before date.

Read More
Celebrating Italian Cuisine: Culinary Students Volunteer at Festa d'Autunno

Celebrating Italian Cuisine: Culinary Students Volunteer at Festa d'Autunno

Mon, November 06, 2023

Culinary students demonstrated their commitment and passion as they volunteered at the annual Festa d'Autunno on November 6th.

Read More
Culinary Delights for a Cause: Humber Team Gives Back at Chefs Harvest Party

Culinary Delights for a Cause: Humber Team Gives Back at Chefs Harvest Party

Wed, October 04, 2023

Eight Humber culinary students and four faculty members participated in the Thistletown Collegiate Institute Chefs Harvest Party on September 30th.

Read More
From Rome to Lyon: Culinary Students Experience the Best of Italian and French Gastronomy

From Rome to Lyon: Culinary Students Experience the Best of Italian and French Gastronomy

Mon, June 12, 2023

In a highly anticipated return, students from the Culinary Skills, Culinary Management, and Baking and Pastry Arts Management programs participated in a study abroad trip to Italy and France.

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

James Bodanis, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5177
james.bodanis@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Professional Industry Standards

Once enrolled in the program, you will follow professional industry standards for decorum, uniform, hygiene and personal presentation. Practical courses, which take place in a lab, have strict uniform and attendance standards and policies which are mandatory for successful completion of the course. It is mandatory to wear a Humber-issued chef uniform in practical lab classes in this program. Admittance to these classes is not permitted if you are not in uniform. The cost for the uniform has been added to your first semester tuition fees. In order for the uniform to be available for the first day of class, students must submit their size requirements via an online order form.

Equipment & Device Requirements

All Semesters

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i7-9750H= or higher
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8 GB of RAM 32 GB of RAM
Storage 256 GB SSD 512 GB SSD
Monitor Laptop computer (not a notebook such as a Chromebook or a tablet) recently purchased; last 18 months Laptop computer (not a notebook such as a Chromebook or a tablet) recently purchased; last 18 months
Other Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Built-in microphone and webcam Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Built-in microphone and webcam, Built-in Ethernet port (strongly recommended), Long battery life (strongly recommended)

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

James Bodanis, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5177
james.bodanis@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $5,764.51
  • international: $17,803.01

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$100 – safety shoes; $525 – knife and tool kit; $300 – textbooks, manuals (for two semesters).

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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