Two culinary students working in a kitchen lab

Program Explorer

Culinary Skills (Indigenous)

Feed your culinary passion and prepare for success in the fast-paced food service industry.

Learn to professionally plan, prepare and serve meals with a curriculum that incorporates Indigenous content and pre-employment supports.

The Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program develops the in-depth knowledge, practical skills and experience you need to succeed in a variety of food service positions.

In this program, you’ll build fundamental culinary techniques, in-depth food knowledge and introductory business skills. You’ll develop your expertise in theory-based classes and practical learning labs and build experience, industry connections and confidence in a paid co-op work placement.

As part of your polytechnic education, you’ll obtain industry-relevant certifications and training in food handling, fire safety, first aid and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Program Donor

Thank you to Red River Co-operative Ltd. for their support of this program.

Red River Co-op logo
  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $7,200 – $8,000
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll develop crucial culinary techniques and build professional teamwork, communication, time management and problem-solving skills in preparation for a rewarding career.

TERM 1

Explore fundamental culinary theories and develop essential knife, safety and sanitation skills through cold food preparation and baking.

TERM 2

Build employer-sought skills, including basic hot food prep and short order cooking, while exploring traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture.

TERM 3

Sharpen your skills and build practical experience while meeting potential employers and expanding your professional network in a co-op work placement.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Line cook
  • Prep cook
Two culinary students preparing a dish in a kitchen

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Culinary student reaching for food on shelf in a kitchen
Get practical experience in a real short-order kitchen.
Two culinary students preparing a dish in a kitchen
Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively as you prepare to lead and succeed in the food service industry.
Culinary student cutting meat in a kitchen
Develop essential knife skills in a Garde Manger kitchen – one of the many modern RRC Polytech facilities designed to bring out the best in you.
Culinary student frying up food in a kitchen
As a line cook, you’re responsible for food prep and fill one of the most important roles in any kitchen.
Culinary student stirring sauce in a pot
Expand your knowledge of hot food preparation and develop a solid foundation for further learning and professional growth.
Culinary student working with lettuce in a kitchen
Build confidence and develop basic culinary knowledge as you learn to prepare cold food items.
Close up photo of pieces of bannock
Create traditional Indigenous cuisine while exploring pastry production techniques.

Graduate Success

After completing the program, Culinary Skills (Indigenous) graduates often start full-time positions with their co-op employers. Some grads also choose to expand their skill set and enhance their career potential by entering RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts diploma program.

Photo of many culinary students in a kitchen

Support your career success

Get the skills and knowledge you need to start your culinary career with confidence. To complement your education, RRC Polytech also offers Indigenous learners various supports and services, including pre-employment support.

Succeed, celebrate and grow your goals

After completing the Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program, you’ll have all the skills and experience you need to succeed as a line cook. This position allows you to take on some of the most important responsibilities in a restaurant and is the perfect foundation for continued learning and career growth.

Culinary student in a kitchen preparing a dish
Culinary instructor showing students how to prepare a dish

Sharpen your skills

RRC Polytech is focused on preparing you with career-ready skills, professional communication strategies and practical experience. These skills, combined with valuable work experience and paid co-op placements, have allowed our grads to succeed in numerous job opportunities.

“RRC Polytech’s Indigenous supports helped me with math and had cool events such as paint night. This program has given me the skills to find employment, and eventually I plan to open up a food truck.”

Waylon Terence McKay-Roulette
Line Cook, Bistro on Notre Dame; Continuing student in Culinary Arts

“I always wanted to open my own restaurant. I attended [Culinary Skills (Indigenous)] so I could learn the techniques while making connections. What I didn’t expect was the Indigenous Support Centre to be so vital.”

Sharnell McDougall – Line Cook
Diversity Food Services

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a learner in the Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program, you want to share Indigenous culture through food. You are a creative, adaptive individual who pays close attention to every detail. You enjoy working with others in fast-paced environments and want to combine your innovative ideas with advanced techniques and specialized equipment. Your willingness to practice and persist is vital to success.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Challenge-driven
  • Level-headed
  • Observer
  • Patient

SKILLS

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Dependability
  • Motivation
  • Positive attitude

INTERESTS

  • Professional chef
  • Caterer
  • Restaurant owner
  • Food truck owner
  • Hospitality
  • Cook
  • Food services
  • Sous chef
  • Line cook
  • Prep cook

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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