Culinary Skills (Formerly: Culinary Skills - Chef Training (Co-op))
- Credential:
- Ontario College Certificate
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Hospitality & Culinary Arts
- Program Code:
- 1025C
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- WA
- Academic Year:
- 2020 / 2021
About the Program
In this one-year co-op program, students will gain the fundamental knowledge and techniques of quality food preparation, an understanding of the complexity of kitchen management and an appreciation of fine food.The co-op education work term in the final semester enables students to develop their skills and enhance the knowledge learned in the college setting.
Program Information
Length: One-year Ontario College Certificate programDelivery Sequence:
Waterloo - September/2020 - Fall | Winter | Spring/Summer
Waterloo - January/2021 - Winter | Spring/Summer | Fall
Location: Waterloo
Start: September and January
First-Year Capacity: 48 September, 24 January
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
- For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading
Admission Procedures
- An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
- Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
- A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
Program Requirements
- Applicants are advised that in order to comply with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulations, students under 18 will be unable to serve alcohol in the Restaurant Operations class.
- To be eligible for a co-op work term, the student must have a minimum of 2.5 SWA (65% session weighted average), have successfully completed the Co-op and Career Preparation course as well as the Sanitation and Safety course, and have a maximum of two failed or dropped courses during the term that occurs two terms prior to the work term.
- Academic eligibility for a co-op work term is based on the term that occurs two terms prior to any work term. If this term is also a co-op work term, then work term eligibility will be based on the student's achievement during the preceding academic term.
- Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
- Students may only fail/defer one work term regardless of the reason(s).
- Students who do not successfully complete their deferred work term will be removed from the co-op stream.
- Since only one work term may be failed/deferred regardless of the reason(s), should a subsequent work term be missed/failed/unsecured (not successfully completed for any reason) the student will be immediately removed from the co-op stream.
- Students who are discontinued are not eligible for co-op work terms.
- Students must maintain academic eligibility standards in order to participate in a co-op work term. As well, students must successfully complete the required co-op program prerequisites to be eligible for co-op. The prerequisites for individual programs may be found on the Hospitality Group eConestoga website.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2019-2020 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Culinary Skills - Chef Training (Co-op) - Program # 1025c
Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 | Spring 2020 |
---|---|---|---|
Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 | $0.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 | $0.00 |
Program Services Fee | $278.50 | $278.50 | $0.00 |
Program Supply Fee | $375.00 | $375.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $48.00 | $48.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 | $0.00 |
CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 | $0.00 |
Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 | $0.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Session Total | $2678.50 | $2355.50 | $0.00 |
Year Total | $5034.00 |
Description | Fall 2019 |
---|---|
Full-time Program Tuition | $0.00 |
Student Priority Fee | $0.00 |
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 |
Administration Fee | $0.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $0.00 |
Program Services Fee | $0.00 |
Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Association Fee | $0.00 |
CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $0.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Event Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $0.00 |
Locker Fee | $0.00 |
Alumni Services | $0.00 |
Student Spaces | $0.00 |
Graduation fee | $0.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
Session Total | $0.00 |
Year Total |
Description | Winter 2020 | Spring 2020 |
---|---|---|
Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
Program Services Fee | $278.50 | $278.50 |
Program Supply Fee | $375.00 | $375.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $197.65 | $0.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $18.76 | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $48.00 | $48.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Session Total | $2571.91 | $2355.50 |
Year Total | $4927.41 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Culinary Skills - Chef Training (Co-op) - Program # 1025c
Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 | Spring 2020 |
---|---|---|---|
International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 | $0.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 | $0.00 |
Program Services Fee | $278.50 | $278.50 | $0.00 |
Program Supply Fee | $375.00 | $375.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 | $0.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $48.00 | $48.00 | $0.00 |
CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 | $0.00 |
CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 | $0.00 |
Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 | $0.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
Session Total | $8455.50 | $7632.50 | $0.00 |
Year Total | $16088.00 |
Description | Fall 2019 |
---|---|
International Program Tuition | $0.00 |
Student Priority Fee | $0.00 |
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 |
Administration Fee | $0.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $0.00 |
Program Services Fee | $0.00 |
Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Association Fee | $0.00 |
CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
ISR | $0.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $0.00 |
CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Event Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $0.00 |
Locker Fee | $0.00 |
Alumni Services | $0.00 |
Student Spaces | $0.00 |
Graduation fee | $0.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
Session Total | $500.00 |
Year Total | $500.00 |
Description | Winter 2020 | Spring 2020 |
---|---|---|
International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
Program Services Fee | $278.50 | $278.50 |
Program Supply Fee | $375.00 | $375.00 |
CSI Health Plan Fee | $197.65 | $0.00 |
ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
CSI Legal Protection | $18.76 | $0.00 |
Capital Development Fee - Waterloo | $48.00 | $48.00 |
CSI International Health Fee | $335.00 | $0.00 |
CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Session Total | $8183.91 | $7632.50 |
Year Total | $15816.41 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Co-op Information
- Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages for more details.
- The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates are employed in a variety of settings including the hospitality industry and institutional food service facilities. After completion of the requisite industry training and experience, graduates are eligible to write the Provincial Trade of Cook Certificate of Qualification examination.On average, 89% of graduates from the last three years (2015 to 2017) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
Course Code | Course Title and Description |
---|---|
Level 1 | |
CEPR1020 | Co-op and Career Preparation
Description: This series of modules will prepare students for job searching for their co-op work terms and for their future careers. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while developing an awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and examine available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of this course is a requirement for co-op eligibility. |
COMP1006 | Software Applications I
Description: The student will have an opportunity to become familiar with computer software applications currently used in the hospitality industry. Practical experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be emphasized and an opportunity to discover how this software can increase efficiency in business is presented. |
CON0101 | Conestoga 101
Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. |
CUL1146 | Applied Baking Techniques I
Description: Through demonstration and lecture, basic culinary literacy, the elementary principles of food preparation, baking theory and other related theories will be introduced. This course provides the student with an understanding of accuracy, techniques, methodologies, and principals in order to support their growing practical skills. Basic theory and ingredient knowledge help the student understand why various techniques and formulas work which is critical in our ever changing industry. |
CUL1197 | Culinary Theory I
Description: This course introduces students to fundamental concepts, practices and terminology of the food service industry. Students will build a repertoire of culinary theoretical knowledge, which compliments and expands on their practical studies. Ingredients, techniques and culinary applications will be explored. Students engage in group dynamics and interpersonal skills through online discussions, collaborations, assignments and in class activities. |
CUL1550 | Butchery
Description: This course is designed to increase the student's basic butchery skills through 7 weeks of theory and laboratory classes. Students will be introduced to primal and fabricated cuts of poultry, lamb, pork, beef and veal, charcuterie and fish. Students will practice butchering different varieties of meats, and the safe and hygienic handling of various equipment used. |
CUL1580 | Applied Culinary Techniques I
Description: This practical learning lab provides the opportunity for the student to practice and develop the fundamental skills, methods of cookery and presentation of dishes suitable for a variety of food service settings. |
OHS1390 | Hospitality Certifications: SmartServe & Food Handlers
Description: Students will complete industry certifications for alcohol service (Smart Serve) and food handling (TRAINCAN). |
Level 2 | |
COMM1085 | College Reading & Writing Skills
Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. |
CUL1010 | Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle
Description: This course is designed to make students aware of preventative strategies to contribute to overall wellness, make healthy food choices and maintain a balance between eating habits and physical activity. Students will interpret the concept of healthy eating through a study of basic nutrition principles and an understanding of the key nutrients, their source and functions. A discussion of current food trends, life cycle diet requirements and related health issues; modified diets is integrated into the course. The course will also emphasize the importance of food service operations addressing special diets. |
CUL1160 | Applied Culinary Techniques II
Description: This practical learning lab provides the student with the opportunity to enhance his/her individual culinary techniques, methods of food preparation and presentation. The advanced preparation and presentation of soups, salads, garde manger, meats and fishes will be demonstrated and practiced. |
CUL1165 | A la Carte Cooking I
Description: Students will learn current and advanced methods of preparation being used in up scale restaurants today. Students will research preparation, presentation and ingredient trends and will learn how to prepare a variety of items in a lab format, and then apply their skills in a team environment during weekly live "a-la-carte" service. |
CUL1170 | Applied Baking Techniques II
Description: This course builds on skills learned in Applied Baking Techniques I. Students will focus on more advanced baking and pastry arts techniques by preparing fillings, decorations, petit fours, soufflés and hot desserts , custards, contemporary plating techniques, ice creams and more…. |
CUL1205 | Culinary Theory II
Description: This course continues on from the basic knowledge aquired in level I. Students learn more advanced theory concepts in conjunction with their practical skills. |
HOSP1095 | Restaurant Operations I
Description: This practical and theoretical course provides the student with the opportunity to develop skills and techniques to provide professional, courteous food, beverage and customer service. Different formats for food and beverage service will be discussed. Students gain practical experience by working in the campus dining room. Smart Serve certification is obtained. |
MGMT1040 | Food and Beverage Cost Control
Description: The control of food and beverage costs will be the primary focus of this course. |
Level 3 | |
COOP1016 | Co-op Work Term (Chef)
Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students' awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace. |
Program Outcomes
- Provide fundamental culinary preparation and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.
- Apply basic food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.
- Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food handling regulations.
- Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces and the responsible, efficient use of resources.
- Support the development of menu options that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modifications for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.
- Apply fundamental business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to promote a fiscally responsible operation.
- Apply basic knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing, and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.
- Use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.
- Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations, and practices in the food service industry.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs. For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3
Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.
International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
Start Date | Campus | Status** |
---|---|---|
JAN, 2020 | Waterloo | Open |
SEP, 2020 | Waterloo | Open |
JAN, 2021 | Waterloo | Open |
Program status for international students

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