Cooking Assistant
Approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005
Course Overview
The Cooking Assistant program is a comprehensive 640-hour diploma program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the food service industry, including roles such as second cook, short order cook, and grill cook. The program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training and a 120-hour practicum placement, covering essential topics such as food safety and sanitation, knife techniques, baking, nutrition, menu planning and food costing, and introduction to cooking methods. Students learn to use professional kitchen tools and equipment, develop proper food preparation and presentation skills, and gain important industry certifications including Food Handler, Smart Serve, WHMIS, and CPR & First Aid Level C.
Is this program right for you?
This program is ideal for you if you’re passionate about cooking and want to build a professional career in the food service industry, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to formalize your culinary skills. It’s perfect for hands-on learners who enjoy working in fast-paced kitchen environments and want to gain both practical cooking experience and essential industry certifications. If you’re 18 or older with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or can pass a qualifying test), and you’re ready to commit to 32 weeks of training including a real-world practicum placement, this program will equip you with the skills and credentials needed to launch your culinary career.
What You'll learn
In this course, you’ll master essential culinary skills including food preparation techniques, knife skills, baking, menu planning, and various cooking methods for meats, vegetables, sauces, and soups. You’ll gain hands-on experience with professional kitchen tools and equipment while learning critical food safety and sanitation practices that are fundamental to any food service operation. Additionally, you’ll earn industry-recognized certifications in Food Handler, Smart Serve, WHMIS, and CPR & First Aid, and apply your skills in a real kitchen environment during a 120-hour practicum placement.
Career Opportunities
The Cooking Assistant program at Crossroads provides comprehensive culinary training and industry certifications to prepare you for immediate employment in professional kitchens and food service establishments.
Potential Job Titles and Career Opportunities
- Second Cook in restaurants, hotels or catering companies
- Short Order Cook in diners, cafeterias, or fast-casual establishments
- Grill Cook in steakhouses, pubs, or family dining restaurants
- Line Cook in various food service operations
- Institutional Cook in hospitals, schools, retirement homes, or corporate cafeterias
- Kitchen Assistant or Prep Cook in fine dining or casual restaurants
- Entry-level positions leading to advancement as Head Cook or Chef de Partie
Included Certifications
First Aid & CPR, Level C
Food Safety - Food Handler
Smart Serve Certification
WHMIS Certification
Program Details
Program Type:
Certificate Course
Program Duration:
32 Weeks (31 weeks instruction + 1 week break)
Total Instruction Hours:
640 Hours
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Language of Instruction:
English
Why Choose Crossroads?
- Small Class Sizes
- Comprehensive Certification Package
- Real-World Practicum Experience
- Flexible Learning Options
- Experienced Industry Professionals
- Fast-Track to Employment
- Well-Rounded Curriculum
- Accessible Admission Requirements
- Job-Ready Skills
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Personal Support Worker with Certifications program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- Be 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins AND pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 16 (The exam can be administered at one of our campus locations.
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 32 weeks to complete, including 31 weeks of instruction and 1 week of scheduled breaks. You’ll complete 640 hours of training at an average of 21 hours per week.
Yes! Crossroads will arrange your practicum placement at a restaurant, institutional kitchen, or other food service establishment.
Successful graduates will earn a Dietary Cook Assistant Diploma I along with multiple industry-recognized certifications including Food Handler Certificate, WHMIS, Smart Serve and CPR & First Aid, Level C, all of which are highly valued by employers.
The program includes a Career Prep course covering resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies. The college also conducts follow-up interviews with graduates 3-6 months after completion to support employment success.
You must maintain a 70% average in each subject. If you fail a final exam, you can rewrite it once for an additional cost of $100. Tests, assignments, and mid-terms may be repeated once at no additional charge. Failed subjects must be repeated at a cost of $500.
We offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Contact our admissions team at (613) 742-7499 extension 206 to learn about upcoming classes and to secure your spot. Classes fill quickly, so we strongly recommend applying early!
Some practicum placements may require a vulnerable sector check or medical clearance. The college will assist you with these applications during your program. If you cannot obtain required clearances, we’ll find an alternative placement that doesn’t require them.
Funding and financial assistance may be available for those individuals who qualify. Please click here to see the detailed information on financial aid.