Are you looking for work?
Or looking to change careers?
TRU – Clearwater Regional Centre is offering a Camp/Prep Cook Training Program that could help you land your next job. The objective of this six-week hands-on program is to train students to an acceptable skill level in order to successfully obtain work in a kitchen or camp and perform basic duties of food preparation.
There are numerous job opportunities in the North Thompson area for someone who has completed the Camp/Prep Cook training.
Every summer Barriere Employment Services (BES ) receives inquiries from employers requiring cooks with some formal training or past experience.
Upon successful completion of this program, candidates can also qualify for 2nd Cook positions in northern Alberta and B.C. The camp cook positions usually consist of a long and a short season each year. The positions often require the ability to work long shifts. A position as 1st Cook usually requires additional ‘Professional Cook’, ‘Culinary Arts’ or Red Seal credentials.
Under the guidance of a Red Seal Chef, students in the Camp/Prep Cook program will receive a nutritional education and will learn to cook with a balance of protein, starch, and vegetables. Students will make soups from scratch and cook recipes from other countries, pushing out of their comfort zones to try new and interesting cuisine.
Training will be experiential using guide sheets and menus to prepare orders. Students will learn to use successful time management in order to have tasks completed. There will be constant supervision to ensure safety and quality of food products being prepared. All students will participate in setup, menu planning, inventory, budgeting, and other tasks.
Students will also be given the opportunity to obtain their First Aid Level 1 certificate, WHMIS certificate, and Foodsafe Level 1 certificate during the program.
There is funding available for the Camp/Prep Cook Training Program for eligible unemployed individuals. Having collected Employment Insurance within the past three years (five years for maternity or parental EI) or being a BCEA client may lead to tuition and/or living supports for suitable candidates.
Persons interested in this training and who are seeking funding assistance should make an appointment with a Case Manager at Barriere Employment Services (250-672-0036) as soon as possible to check eligibility since the time required for the application varies from one individual to another. BES have staff available to assist those who require extra assistance.
Individuals interested in this occupation should be well-organized and able to work under pressure. They should enjoy working with their hands and have an interest in preparing food. Communication and team skills are very important, as cooks must work within a team of kitchen staff.
The training program runs Monday through Friday, March 25 to May 3.
If working as a camp/prep cook appeals to you, please contact Sylvia Arduini, TRU Regional Centre Community Coordinator at 250-674-3530 or sarduini@tru.ca to register or for more information about the program.