With the right combination of ingredients, training and skill, you can create magic in the kitchen and a Red Seal designation. The recipe for success in the Cook Apprenticeship program starts with your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. We'll supply the experience you need to keep your three-year apprenticeship on track as you pursue your education while continuing to earn an income.
Delivered through the Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS), the Cook Apprenticeship prepares you for Red Seal designation through observation, practice and study. One day a week is spent in class, expanding your expertise and gaining technical training vital to your culinary career. For the rest of the week, you'll be putting what you've learned into practice on the job.
New Apprentice Orientation Booklet
Prepare for your Red Seal exam and apply to the Cook Apprenticeship program today!
Apply Now Grab and Go InformationCareer 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
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
1
the number of days per 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
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
August
Credential / Accreditation
Certified 'Journeyman' Papers
Duration
3 years
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Program Availability
View the program availability for the upcoming intakes.
Academic Centre
Admissions
This program is not available for International Students.
Academic requirements
- Successful completion of English 10-2, Math 10-3, or a pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) 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.
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!
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Delivery Formats
The Cook Apprenticeship program is delivered through the Weekly Apprenticeship Training system on campus but may have some blended and hyflex components.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
Hyflex
This program is offered both on-campus and online; lectures and hands-on training opportunities are delivered through video conference, allowing students the option to attend classes in-person or remotely.
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.
Courses
Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) programs involve one day of training at Lethbridge College per week throughout the length of the program.
Courses include:
- Pâtisserie
- Butcher shop and cooking proteins
- Saucier
- Management controls and nutritional components
- Bakeshop
- Cold kitchen
Tuition and Fees
Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1
|
$1,008.00
|
$211.25
|
$361.75
|
Year 2
|
$1,008.00
|
$211.25
|
$152.60
|
Year 3
|
$1,008.00
|
$211.25
|
$165.50
|
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.
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!
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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.”
Scholarships
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships: