Camosun College in Saanich is offering up a chance to become a professional cook 鈥� free of charge.

The school is offering 18 tuition-free training spots in its professional cook program in response to 鈥渦nprecedented industry demand鈥� on Vancouver Island for professional cooks.

鈥淎 career as a professional cook can be exciting and very rewarding,鈥� said chef David Lang, Camosun culinary arts chair, in a news release. 鈥淭he training students receive at Camosun prepares them to be successful in their future career. Not only do they learn practical skills in the kitchen but are also given the opportunity to build their confidence in the workforce.鈥�

Classes start in November and will run Monday to Friday at the school鈥檚 Helmut Huber Cook Training Centre on the Interurban campus.

The eight-month course will focus on practical skills, industry orientation, career awareness, and resume writing, among other topics.

Citing the BC Labour Market Outlook, the school said it is anticipated there will be more than 3,000 jobs opening for chefs in the coming decade.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to email langd@camosun.ca or call 250-370-3778.

The free training is being offered to people facing pandemic career changes, new immigrants and people who are currently underemployed. The course will also provide students with a knife kit, uniforms, lunch card and bus pass.

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