Learn Beyond the Classroom
VIU's Culinary Arts programs are internationally recognized and give students the knowledge and hands-on skills which they bring to the culinary industry. Culinary Arts students complete a paid co-op work term in the summer, where they can opt to work in a variety of different culinary businesses, from resorts and restaurants to food trucks and catering.
The co-op work term allows students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting, gaining valuable work experience along the way. Students are also encouraged to try out culinary roles that they may not have considered before, so that they can be well-rounded in skills and experience upon graduation.
Student Story
"I was hired as a cook at West Coast Fishing Club for my co-op. Before my arrival, I had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by friendly faces and felt comfortable instantly. In the first two weeks, our crew tested recipes and got the kitchen set up for opening day. Opening day came quickly, and we had to work 12-to-20 hour days to meet the high expectations of visitors. I started my shifts at 4 AM, sometimes staying for dinner service. I then moved to afternoon shifts, rotating through each station: garde manger, entremetier and saucier.
I look back now and realize how fortunate I was, and how formative my time at the lodge proved to be. I had three amazing chefs who saw our team's potential and set up the kitchen like a culinary school bootcamp. We rotated through stations and they pushed us to grow. They shared techniques that they had learnt from working abroad in Michelin star restaurants. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing, caring chefs."
Amanda Fowles, Culinary Arts Certificate Student
Additional Resources
See Where Our Students Work
Asteras Greek Taverna
Banff Hospitality Collective
Beach Club Resort
Bocca Cafe
Boston Pizza
Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa
Browns Socialhouse
Bruno Restaurant
Cactus Club Cafe
Camp Narnia
Carlos O'Bryan's
Casino Nanaimo
Christina's on the Lake
Coastal Cookery
Costa del Sol
Dami Sushi Japanese Restaurant
Earls
Edgewood Treatment Centre
Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Whistler
Farm's Gate Foods & Catering
Flavours Of India
Gabriel's Cafe
Gina's Mexican Cafe
Giovanni's Ristorante
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
In The Beantime Cafe
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
La Stella Trattoria
Lighthouse Bistro & Pub
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Ma Maison
Marriot International
Melange
Modern Cafe
Monkey 9 Brew Pub
Mrs. Riches
Noodlebox
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Oak Tree Manor
Old Town Bakery
Original Joe's
Penny's Palapa
Pho Tin Tin
PR Social House
Quails' Gate Estate Winery
Seascape Restaurant
Seasider Bistro
Simon Holt
Sonora Resort
Sushi Ryu Japanese Restaurant
The Beach Club Resort
The Breakfast Nook
The Dirty Apron
The Fairmont Empress
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
The Lakehouse At Shawnigan
The Lighthouse Bistro & Pub
The Modern Cafe
The Pointe Restaurant
The Shady Rest Restaurant, Pub and Liquor store
Tofino Resort + Marina
Vancouver Island Health Authority
Villa Eyrie Resort
Watermark Beach Resort
Whistler Cooks
Zouglas