Three culinary students in white chef uniforms and tall toques collaborate over a workstation in a professional kitchen.

Program Explorer

Culinary Skills

This program was previously offered by the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) and will now be delivered by RRC Polytech starting in the Fall 2026 term. If you have already applied to this program through the MITT application portal for Fall 2026, you do not need to reapply to RRC Polytech.

Turn your love of cooking into a lifelong career.

Develop the versatile culinary skills you need to excel in this dynamic and increasingly sophisticated industry.

Through the Culinary Skills program, you will explore the latest culinary and restaurant-management trends in the heart of Winnipeg’s restaurant scene.

You’ll build a versatile set of practical knowledge and learn to use state-of-the-art equipment and industry-standard techniques safely and efficiently through a blend of theoretical learning, co-op experience and work-integrated learning labs. As part of your RRC Polytech education, you’ll build the essential communication, collaboration and management skills you need to adapt to new technology, continue growing your knowledge and take on new career opportunities.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    South Winnipeg Campus
  • Intakes
    Fall and Spring
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    General entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll explore local and international culinary trends and build a versatile set of skills through our blend of co-op opportunities, work-integrated learning labs and classes.

TERM 1

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

TERM 2

Build on your foundational knowledge, gain practical experience and develop collaboration skills while serving guests in our Short Order Lab.

TERM 3

Gain real work experience, meet potential employers and expand your professional network by completing a co-op with one of our partner restaurants.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Commis chef
  • Chef de parti
  • Sous chef
  • Executive chef
  • Banquet chef
  • Caterer
  • Restaurant owner
  • Director of foodservice
  • Restaurant consultant

AFFILIATIONS, ACCREDITATIONS and Partnerships

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.

Exterior view looking up at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute building, part of RRC Polytech, with a glass and steel modern facade attached to a historic stone tower against a partly cloudy sky.
Explore classic and contemporary culinary techniques at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute – nestled in the heart of Winnipeg’s restaurant district.
Interior of Jane's restaurant bar featuring warm wood paneling, hanging wine glasses, wine bottles, decanters, and a mirrored back bar with "Jane's" written in cursive script.
Discover the challenge and satisfaction of creating world-class cuisine at Jane’s, RRC Polytech’s fine-dining restaurant.
A culinary student in a white chef's coat and tall toque uses blue gloves to load a sheet pan of granola or mixed grains onto a large stainless steel rack in a professional kitchen.
Serve up your skills and showcase your professional progress throughout the year at our open-concept Culinary Exchange.
A culinary student wearing a RRC Polytech "School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts" jacket stands among a group of students in white chef uniforms and toques in a kitchen classroom.
Work alongside nationally renowned instructors and take advantage of their industry insight and decades of culinary experience.
A chef instructor gestures while addressing approximately ten culinary students in white uniforms gathered around a marble-topped island in a large professional teaching kitchen.
Discover a world of culinary creations from the comfort of our kitchens, classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities.
A chef in a white coat and chef hat stands behind a counter conversing with two formally dressed guests at an evening networking or industry event in a warmly lit kitchen venue.
Innovators meet at RRC Polytech. Take advantage of networking events and co-op opportunities to build meaningful connections and lifelong partnerships.
Read our curriculum like a menu and explore mouth-watering dishes that showcase the best of local, national and international cuisine.
Two smiling female culinary students in white chef coats and toques carefully place chocolate and white chocolate decorations onto dessert plates, with an instructor visible in the background.
Build critical communication and collaboration skills alongside passionate peers in immersive labs and real workspaces.
Two culinary students in white chef uniforms pipe a cream or mousse garnish onto rows of identically plated salmon dishes in a professional kitchen.
Make your mark in the hospitality industry and learn to plan, prepare and plate mouth-watering meals and exceptional experiences.
Two male culinary students in white uniforms laugh together while cooking at a stovetop in a bright, busy teaching kitchen filled with other students in the background.
Join a passionate community of culinary professionals and build friendships, partnerships and industry connections that will last you a lifetime.

Graduate Success

RRC Polytech’s graduates consistently find excellent hospitality positions in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world. Through the Culinary Skills program, you’ll prepare for this diverse range of careers and an unparalleled set of advancement opportunities, whether you decide to start your own business or pursue a career as a restaurant or hotel chef.

A female culinary student wearing glasses and a grey apron uses tongs and a thermometer to check the temperature of fried chicken pieces on a wire rack beside a commercial fryer.

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

The practical experience, industry connections and communication skills you develop through our co-op work placements are vital to your professional success. Many students take full-time positions with their co-op employers after graduation, a growing number of whom are alumni.

100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Graduates of the Culinary Skills program confidently pursue rewarding careers in the culinary industry thanks to our combination of in-depth theory and practice. With this versatile set of skills and knowledge, you’ll be able to start your career, develop your culinary and management skills, and pursue new opportunities.

A group of culinary students in white chef coats and tall toques stand together laughing and smiling in a bright kitchen, with one student holding a wok and another holding a squeeze bottle.
A focused female culinary student in a Red River College chef coat carefully garnishes rows of caprese-style appetizers on white spoons under heat lamps at a kitchen pass.

92% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGABLE

RRC Polytech instructors are experts and industry leaders with years of experience in various hospitality settings. They regularly update their skills, explore new culinary trends and maintain strong links with employers to ensure your education is practical, up to date and aligned with industry needs.

“My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”

Amanda Buhse – Founder and CEO
Coal and Canary

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a student in the Culinary Skills program, you have an endless love of food and a passion for cooking. You enjoy working with your hands and collaborating with others to plan, manage and prepare exceptional visitor experiences. As a successful student and culinary professional, you have good manual dexterity and can handle long, demanding hours and fast-paced work environments.

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

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Creative
  • Planner
  • Results-oriented
  • Team-oriented

SKILLS

  • Adaptability
  • Customer service
  • Management
  • Organization
  • Time management

INTERESTS

  • Cooking
  • Business ownership
  • Red seal
  • Restaurant
  • Travel
  • Hotels
  • Hospitality
  • Catering

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.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this and other programs, receive personalized guidance and discover your best path forward.

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.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, 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.