The Professional Cook 1 Indigenous Content program follows Skilled Trades BC prescribed course curriculum focusing on Indigenous content. Students will learn about the traditions and history of food sources, including foraging and gathering, and the preparation methods used in the Indigenous tradition. They will also explore medicinal properties of food, as well as food storage and preservation methods.
Students will perform all required phases of kitchen activities including the preparation and presentation of vegetables, soups, sauces, meat, fish and poultry; cold kitchen items; desserts, baking, pastry; basic menu planning/costing as well as knowledge of safety, sanitation and food storage.
They will also gain valuable knowledge of human and customer relations enabling them to become leaders in their field. Level 1 starts in a fully supervised environment performing basic cooking and food preparation tasks. There is a standardized Skilled Trades BC exam upon completion of this level.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
Professional Cooks work in a variety of settings including: camps, institutional kitchens, family restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, ferry boats, resorts, nursing homes, hospitals, catering operations, and airlines.
Details
Intake
| Location | Level | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek | 1 | not scheduled | Cohort |
Length
Level 1 is 180 hours; approximately 6 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship (Tier 2)
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $ 640.80 | $ 68.09 | $ 156.78 | $ 865.67 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 2,647.80 | $ 72.21 | $ 156.78 | $ 289.80* | $ 3,166.59 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Eligibility as indicated by SkilledTradesBC.
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements:
One month prior to the start of the program, students will be required to provide proof of the following certification:
• Foodsafe Level 1
Certificate must be valid for the duration of the program. Failure to provide proof may result in dismissal from the program.
Important Notes
- The program is not eligible for Canada Student Loans.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC, School District 59, 60, 81 and 87, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Go 2 (Industry training organization who monitors all hospitality type industry for SkilledTradesBC)
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses |
Levels:
PCOD 110 – Professional Cook 1 Indigenous Content Direct Entry (180 contact hours)
Credential
Training results are reported to SkilledTradesBC