Certificate in Culinary Arts (Apprenticeship, Co-op)

at Vancouver Island University - Nanaimo Campus Canada

This program provides the technical training required for starting a career in most fields of forest technology. The program emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all the major values of the forest including timber, recreation, wildlife, range, fish, water, and visual landscapes. The program is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Graduates of this program meet the required standard for membership in the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals (ABCFP) as Registered Forest Technologists (RFT).

Twelve courses in the program are currently recognized by the ABCFP and may be credited toward gaining the status of Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in accordance with the Foresters Act of BC. Credit may be granted towards VIU’s Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture programs, as well as forestry degree programs at UBC, UNBC, and University of Alberta.

In the summer, between the first and second year of the program, all students are expected to obtain a forestry-related job to broaden their knowledge of practical forestry. VIU assists students in obtaining forestry employment, both during the summer months and following graduation.

Students may transfer into the second year of VIU’s Forestry program either from community colleges in BC, or from a recognized forest technology school in Canada or the United States. The qualifications of each student requesting such transfer are adjudicated individually. VIU Students also have the opportunity of transferring to other institutions.

Second year students may participate in international field schools and receive VIU credit while studying at designated forestry schools abroad.
Students are required to complete two one-day First Aid courses (O.F.A. Level 1 & Transportation Endorsement) by the end of September of the first year.

Interested in travel and love working with people? A career in tourism can open up the world to you. If you’re seeking variety and a creative career with a human touch, you can join one of Canada’s fastest growing industries as a tourism professional.
VIU's Tourism diploma program combines in-class instruction with hands-on paid co-op placements over two years. As a hospitality and tourism studies student, you will learn about sustainability, marketing, risk-management, diversity, and event-planning - providing you with the knowledge and expertise to seamlessly transition into a diverse range of careers available in the tourism industry. 

The Tourism Studies Program:-
This program is offered as a mandatory Co-operative Education format with four academic semesters and two paid Co-op placements.
The focus of this program is on the provision of leisure experiences for domestic and international visitors. The program assesses the impact of tourism on individuals, communities, and the environment in order to develop best practices for sustainable tourism development. The features of the program include the provision of applied skills and knowledge, direct leadership experience, a co-operative education model (paid employment), and small class sizes.
The program prepares students for career entry; however, students interested in further studies can apply to the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree.

Co-operative Education:-
Hands-on experience in the tourism industry is gained during two terms of Co-operative Education placements. Under the Co-operative Education format, formal supervised work terms are integrated into the total curriculum on a paid basis. Students will benefit from the experience by:

• Relating academic study more effectively to the field of practice;
• Developing a career focus within the tourism industry;
• Gaining valuable practical experience;
• Being able to finance a larger portion of their education.

Access to Co-operative Education placements is based on students’ GPA (minimum of 2.33 (“C+”) is required) and their willingness to work as a team member with faculty and Co-operative Education staff to find appropriate placements.
Students in Co-operative Education work terms pay a co-op fee, which is due during the second month of each work term.

The Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management will produce graduates who are innovative hospitality management decision-makers equipped with demonstrable analytical skills, functional area knowledge, strong communication skills and abilities, combined with an applied human capital knowledge and skill set, who influence an organization’s performance through their future orientated leadership.

This is a full-time, cohort-based program that incorporates face-to-face delivery with experiential learning, both in internship work experience and laboratory modules.  Curriculum delivery will be enhanced through the use of hospitality industry specific simulations, case studies, and a robust semester-long visiting scholar or professors of practice (hospitality industry experts) interactive lecture series on meaningful issues and trends facing the hospitality executive today and in the future. Further, GDHM students will contribute and mobilize knowledge to the industry through the completion of an integrated business project completed in conjunction with their graduate internship.

Strengthen your employment opportunities in the expanding field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications with VIU’s Advanced GIS diploma program. Almost every field of study has a spatial component and GIS specialists have a range of career opportunities in areas such as forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation and many more.

VIU’s GIS Diploma program prepares students to capture, map and analyze geographic data using ArcGIS by ESRI GIS software.Students can choose between an 8-month in class program which also includes a work-study practicum and a 16-month online program. 

The Advanced Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications Program:-
The Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications provides skills training in geographic information systems (GIS) to university and college graduates who wish to strengthen their employment opportunities in GIS applications – an area that is in high demand around the world.

During this intensive program delivered over two terms, students will learn to use GIS as a spatial informational and problem-solving tool. Content is equally divided between developing hands-on competency in GIS technology and using GIS as a tool in resolving geographic problems through assignments and project work. Students in the program will be well positioned to secure employment upon graduation.

ESRI’s ArcGIS is the main software package used in the delivery of this program. Published materials and instructional courseware packages will provide support for each course. A select number of course modules, available through ESRI’s Virtual Campus, will be incorporated into the delivery of specific courses. Use of these modules enables students and instructors to keep pace with changes in the world’s most popular GIS package – ArcGIS.

All in-class students are required to complete a nine-week GIS project in the second term of the program. The project is intended to provide students with an opportunity to apply GIS knowledge and skills learned in the first term. Each student will be required to select a potential sponsor and develop a project proposal in consultation with the sponsor.

The Certificate in Business Management (CBM) is offered full–time or part–time, with some courses offered by video conference. This Certificate program is designed to provide a firm foundation of business principles. Should you be entrepreneurial or curious about a career in business this could be your opportunity. By the end of this program the student will have a sound introduction to the key functional areas of business practice. Courses in the CBM are fully transferable to VIU's Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree.

Do you have a passion for travelling and connecting with others? Explore a career in the world’s fastest growing industry. Vancouver Island University’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management program prepares students for every facet of the bustling world of tourism and hospitality with a flexible two-year diploma or four-year degree.

In this experiential program, students have the opportunity to develop strong industry connections and gain technical and practical skills in areas of hospitality marketing, accounting, human resources, management and more. The Management of Hospitality program prepares graduates to work in diverse fields such as hotel management, tourism programs, and sales and marketing.

The Bachelor of Hospitality Management Program
VIU offers a four-year Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Students have the option to exit with the Hospitality Management diploma after two years, or go on to complete the additional two years to graduate with the Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Hospitality diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions have the option of entering directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program. Culinary Arts diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions can enter the third year of the degree program after completing a bridging semester. Admission to the third year of the program is limited.

The program will involve the learner in an internationalized curriculum as well as culturally-diverse professional and social environments. They will be engaged in activities that develop their skills to synthesize and solve problems in a global context. The program balances academic and applied skills by designing learning opportunities where learners apply theories in hospitality business simulated environments as well as in co-operative/internship placements.

Work Placement Opportunities
Students in the third year of the degree will participate in either a Co-operative Education work term or an Internship. In order to receive a Co-operative Education designation, transfer students must have successfully completed two Co-op work terms in their diploma activity. Participation in the third Co-op work term is based on availability of space and academic performance with a minimum 3.0 (“B”) grade point average.

Unlock your full potential as an executive office administrator. The VIU Applied Business Technology Certificate Program offers specialties as an Accounting Assistant, Administrative Assistant and Legal Administrative Assistant. In this 10-month certification program, you will master computer, accounting, legal, customer relations and keyboarding skills that will turn you into the secret weapon your dream employer has been looking for.

The Office Administration Program
This program provides thorough, in-depth training in the skills required by today’s office workers in order to be competitive in the job market. Current computer software applications are stressed, as well as the traditional skills and knowledge of business English, business calculations, office procedures, customer relations, and strong keyboarding skills.

The program offers three specialties Accounting Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Legal Administrative Assistant. Students can expect to receive industry-specific training in skills related to their chosen field of study. A two-week work placement practicum is available at the end of the program in each certificate stream for eligible students. 

Administrative Assistant
This specialty is designed to provide students with technical, administrative, and human relations skills required in today’s office environments. Students gain in-depth training in administrative and interpersonal skills, as well as in the use of microcomputers and popular software applications, including the Microsoft Professional Office Suite and the Windows environment. Students learn to use the microcomputer to solve problems, manage information, and enhance document production.

Graduates of this program will acquire a broad range of marketable skills, which makes them ideally suited for many office positions. Graduates are employed in a wide variety of private and public sector firms, including federal, provincial, and municipal government offices; major corporations; desktop publishing firms, and many other mid-sized and small companies.

To continue into the second semester, a student must pass all fall semester courses and have a minimum "C" in: Business Math and Calculators, Business English, Office Computer Applications I, and a minimum "C-" in Human Relations and Office Procedures.

Calling all foodies who dream of running a kitchen or opening a restaurant. VIU’s Culinary Management Diploma will train you in advanced culinary and pastry techniques, as well as important management, accounting and beverage skills. Learn what it takes to launch a culinary career, with work opportunities close to home and around the world.

This Culinary Management Diploma program includes a paid co-operative education component that allows students to network and build industry contacts. At the end of the Culinary Management program, students can write the inter-provincial Red Seal exam.

Graduates also receive advanced credit when applying to the VIU Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree.

The Culinary Management Program:-
The Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island (CIVI), at VIU provides students with the options of a Certificate (one year), and a Diploma (two years), in culinary training and management skills, giving them the leading edge for advancement in the culinary profession. Upon entering the program, culinary students are registered as apprentices, gaining technical training while accruing apprentice hours. As a part of both the Certificate and Diploma programs, students participate in a paid co-op work placement, gaining industry work experience and additional apprentice hours. The Culinary Diploma program provides students with advanced culinary and pastry training as well as the management skills needed to obtain higher positions within the industry. The 2nd year of the diploma program is only offered at the Nanaimo campus.

At the Nanaimo campus students are accepted into the first year Culinary Arts Certificate program in January, February, or August. The Culinary Arts Certificate consists of the 28-week Professional Cook 1 (PC1) and the 14-week Professional Cook 2 (PC2). At our Cowichan and Powell River campuses students are accepted to the 28-week Professional Cook 1 (PC1) program which starts in February (Cowichan) and September (Powell River). Cowichan and Powell River students can then apply to the Nanaimo campus to complete the Professional Cook 2 (PC2) training and receive a Culinary Arts Certificate.

The second year of the diploma is designed to teach culinary students the advanced skills they will need for a management position in the food industry. Please note: there are different secondary school Admission Requirements for the Diploma. Students are required to have completed a post-secondary culinary certificate program and have experience in the culinary industry. The first semester includes advanced culinary techniques, advanced pastry arts, and artisan baking in our wood burning brick oven. Students will also be learning important management, accounting, and beverage instruction delivered by instructors from the VIU Hospitality department. At the end of the diploma program subject to successful completion of VIU coursework, and having completed the industry hour's requirement, students can write the inter-provincial Red Seal exam. Completion of VIU's Culinary Diploma program provides students with advanced credit when applying to the VIU Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree.

The Culinary Management Diploma gives students a number of credentials including:

• Vancouver Island University Culinary Arts Certificate if exiting after successful completion of the first year
• Cook 1, 2, and 3 apprenticeship technical training
• Apprenticeship hours
• Vancouver Island University Culinary Management Diploma
• VIU's Culinary diploma program provides students with advanced credit when applying to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. See information for bridging semester.

Co-operative Education:-
Under the co-operative education format, the paid co-operative education experiences are integrated into the total curriculum. Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island students are employed and supervised in a Red Seal-trained kitchen. Hours worked in their co-op are counted towards their apprenticeship. Culinary students will benefit from the co-operative education experience by:

• Relating academic study more effectively to the field of practice;
• Developing a clearer career focus;
• Gaining valuable practical experience and apprentice hours;
• Being able to finance a larger portion of their education.

Co-operative placements are typically from May to October. Access to co-operative education placements is based on student's GPA and their willingness to work as a team member with faculty and co-operative education staff to find an appropriate placement. Students in co-operative placement are assessed tuition and Students' Union fees - see program fees for correct fee information.

Teachers with a passion for supporting students in the special education classroom can pursue a Masters of Education at VIU to dive deeper into teaching and learning strategies that address unique learning challenges.

This Master of Education in Special Education (MSED) is offered as a part-time online Master program or full-time in-person cohort, making it flexible and accessible for practicing teachers to undertake their Master's of Education while working. The VIU Special Education Master’s program is designed as a highly experiential learning environment. Graduate students are able to personalize their learning and build meaningful connections with the school communities they live and work in.

VIU’s Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies program is so much more than just music to your ears. The comprehensive jazz music program combines academic and performance studies with the latest recording technologies, music production and business strategies that arm you with elite skills to succeed in any and every facet of the music industry.

Vancouver Island University is proud to be one of the leading music production schools, having turned out some of the most successful music makers on the West Coast. Are you our next success story?

The Jazz Studies Program:-

The Jazz Studies program will foster the acquisition of professional skills in a variety of performance genres. It will offer hands-on experience of group music making through ensembles, and promote skills in the fields of: music performance and its study; musical theory and composition; music history in general and jazz music history in particular; theoretical and applied keyboarding; instrumental and choral conducting; theoretical and applied computer technology; multi-track recording and film scoring; theoretical and applied sound recording; library and on-line research; techniques and practices fundamental to the music and entertainment industries; and music as a business.

The program is modular in structure. Students select Music elective courses on the basis of their musical needs, progressing from course module to course module and from year to year. The structure offers students considerable choice and flexibility in fulfilling program requirements. It is supportive of the development of primary musical skills, but flexible and adaptable, and conducive to effective use of space and time.

Upon successful completion of the first two years of the program, students can apply for a Diploma in Music – Jazz.