YMCA of the National Capital Region
A young chef in a striped apron and white chef hat smiles at the camera in a commercial kitchen, with another chef working in the background. A young chef in a striped apron and white chef hat smiles at the camera in a commercial kitchen, with another chef working in the background.

Build Your Skills. Start Your Culinary Career.

The Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is a new hands-on training opportunity designed to help individuals build the skills needed to begin a career in the food service industry.

Participants gain practical experience in food preparation, kitchen safety, cooking techniques, and customer service, while developing essential workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management.

This no-cost program also supports participants with industry certifications, job readiness preparation, and connections to local employers.

  • 10 weeks of hands-on culinary training, including food preparation, knife skills, cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety practices. 
  • Job search and pre-employment support to help participants secure 8 to 12 weeks of paid work placement with local food service employers. 
  • Core skills development and job readiness training to support success in the culinary field. 
  • Professional kitchen tools, uniforms, and required safety equipment provided. 
  • Industry-recognized training and certifications, including First Aid & CPR-C, WHMIS, Service Excellence, and Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps.
     

To be eligible, participants must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age (Participants under 18 years old must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent).
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada 
  • Be a resident of Ontario 
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, convention refugee with an open work permit, or newcomer with valid authorization and work permit 
  • Have English proficiency at CLB Level 5 or higher 
  • Be committed to attend classes on a full-time basis for 10 weeks and work in the field following training

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 – 2027 Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program are now open, and we are currently recruiting for this intake.

Take the first step toward your culinary career by completing and submitting the application form (PDF).

Contact Us

Pre-Apprenticeship Culinary Training Program

Email: CulinaryProgram@ymcaottawa.ca

Canada, Employment Ontario, and Ontario logos

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.