Be ready to bite into a juicy career as a cook.
Our Cook Apprenticeship is part of the Weekly Apprenticeship Training system (WATS). You’ll spend one day a week on campus learning technical skills from experienced instructors. The rest of the week you'll be back at your job cooking and putting theory into practice. Learning and working is a perfect pairing. After three years, you’ll be ready to write your Red Seal exam.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Cook Apprenticeship at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
In our Cook Apprenticeship program, you’ll learn how to prepare, season and cook a variety of foods, including baking pastries and showstopping elements of a fantastic meal. The technical training you take on campus each week can immediately be put to use at your job in the industry. You’ll be ready to work in a restaurant, the kitchen of a care facility, other institution or anywhere you find groups of people in need of tasty nutrition.
1
the number of days each week you’ll be on campus receiving technical training, spending the rest of the week learning on-the-job
Red Seal designation
awaits you at the end of your three-year apprenticeship
3 years to complete
the Cook Apprenticeship through the Weekly Apprenticeship Training system
Career Opportunities
In just three short years, you’ll be ready to write the Red Seal exam and pursue your career in:
- Restaurants
- Clubs
- Institutions
- Hotels
- Bases and camps
63%
of employers who hire cooks have recruited in the last two years
562
the number of new cook positions forecasted to be created each year in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
August
Credential / Accreditation
Certified 'Journeyman' Papers
Duration
3 years
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Apply through MyTradesecretsAcademic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 10-2, Math 10-3, or a passing mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests, or entrance exam.
- English 30-2, Math 30-3, Physics 20 or Chemistry 20 or Science 20, and related career and technology studies courses are recommended.
Additional information on apprenticeship and industry training is available on Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
Admission
You can apply for apprenticeship and industry training through MyTradesecrets.
To arrange a tour, call 403.320.3366 or toll-free 1.800.572.0103.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
Provincial Building, Room 280
200 - 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge AB T1J 4C7
Telephone: 1-800-248-4823
Outside of North America: 1-403-476-9757
Fax: 403-381-5795
Ask about the Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship Program. You might discover you’re eligible for a financial award!
Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) programs involve one day of training at Lethbridge Polytechnic per week throughout the length of the program.
Courses include:
- Bakeshop
- Butcher shop and cooking proteins
- Cold kitchen
- Management controls and nutritional components
- Pâtisserie
- Saucier
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 2
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 3
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for books/supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their books/supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Cook Apprenticeship program is delivered through the Weekly Apprenticeship Training system on campus but may have some blended and hyflex components.
Weekly Apprenticeship Training System
The Weekly Apprenticeship Training System involves one day of training per week at Lethbridge College throughout the length of the program. For the rest of the week, you’ll be on the job learning from your employer.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Carolyn van Schothorst
“The three years of culinary school were a great experience. The challenges presented to me by both the program, as well as my instructor, Chef Doug, have really helped shape me into the chef I aspire to be.”