Learn Beyond the Classroom

VIU's Culinary Arts programs are internationally recognized and give students the knowledge and hands-on skills which they bring to the culinary industry. Culinary Arts students complete a paid co-op work term in the summer, where they can opt to work in a variety of different culinary businesses, from resorts and restaurants to food trucks and catering.

The co-op work term allows students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting, gaining valuable work experience along the way. Students are also encouraged to try out culinary roles that they may not have considered before, so that they can be well-rounded in skills and experience upon graduation.

Visit the Culinary Arts Department

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Student Story

"I was hired as a cook at West Coast Fishing Club for my co-op. Before my arrival, I had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by friendly faces and felt comfortable instantly. In the first two weeks, our crew tested recipes and got the kitchen set up for opening day. Opening day came quickly, and we had to work 12-to-20 hour days to meet the high expectations of visitors. I started my shifts at 4 AM, sometimes staying for dinner service. I then moved to afternoon shifts, rotating through each station: garde manger, entremetier and saucier.

I look back now and realize how fortunate I was, and how formative my time at the lodge proved to be. I had three amazing chefs who saw our team's potential and set up the kitchen like a culinary school bootcamp. We rotated through stations and they pushed us to grow. They shared techniques that they had learnt from working abroad in Michelin star restaurants. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing, caring chefs."

Amanda Fowles, Culinary Arts Certificate Student

Experience Hub

Explore the Experience Hub. VIU's online career and work-integrated learning portal.

Find or Post a Job.

Asteras Greek Taverna

Banff Hospitality Collective

Beach Club Resort

Bocca Cafe

Boston Pizza

Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa

Browns Socialhouse

Bruno Restaurant

Cactus Club Cafe

Camp Narnia

Carlos O'Bryan's

Casino Nanaimo

Christina's on the Lake

Coastal Cookery

Costa del Sol

Dami Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Earls

Edgewood Treatment Centre

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Whistler

Farm's Gate Foods & Catering

Flavours Of India

Gabriel's Cafe

Gina's Mexican Cafe

Giovanni's Ristorante

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

In The Beantime Cafe

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

La Stella Trattoria

Lighthouse Bistro & Pub

Long Beach Lodge Resort

Ma Maison

Marriot International

Melange

Modern Cafe

Monkey 9 Brew Pub

Mrs. Riches

Noodlebox

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Oak Tree Manor

Old Town Bakery

Original Joe's

Penny's Palapa

Pho Tin Tin

PR Social House

Quails' Gate Estate Winery

Seascape Restaurant

Seasider Bistro

Simon Holt

Sonora Resort

Sushi Ryu Japanese Restaurant

The Beach Club Resort

The Breakfast Nook

The Dirty Apron

The Fairmont Empress

The Keg Steakhouse and Bar

The Lakehouse At Shawnigan

The Lighthouse Bistro & Pub

The Modern Cafe

The Pointe Restaurant

The Shady Rest Restaurant, Pub and Liquor store

Tofino Resort + Marina

Vancouver Island Health Authority

Villa Eyrie Resort

Watermark Beach Resort

Whistler Cooks

Zouglas