Okanagan College will be running its Cook Level One program in Revelstoke next year, the college announced Thursday.
“We are really excited to bring our Culinary Arts program to Revelstoke in the new year,” said Chef Bernard Casavant, Culinary Manager at Okanagan College, in a news release. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone with a passion and interest for food to learn from our skilled instructor without having to travel to another community for a professional culinary education. I know first-hand the value of a certified Red Seal trade and have benefitted from a rewarding and challenging career as an executive chef.”
The college will be offering the 20-week program at the community centre starting on Feb. 1, 2016. The course is the first of three apprenticeships needed to become a certified Red Seal Chef.
The course is being offered here in order to address the growing demand for workers in the hospitality sector.
“Our community has experienced a significant increase in the number of tourists who visit us each year,” said Alan Mason, the City of Revelstoke's director of economic development. “We have seen hotel room revenues increase by 35 per cent since 2008 and we estimate the tourism sector has grown to make up 16 per cent of the city’s base employment income. We need to ensure we have the skilled work force we need to accommodate this growth and one area where we anticipate strong demand for employment is in the culinary sector.”
The program will be offered by the college in partnership with the Revelstoke School District and the CIty of Revelstoke. Seniors at the high school, and anyone over 19 are eligible to enrol in the program. High school students that register will receive credit towards graduation.
The course will run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone interested in signing up can attend a free information session at the community centre on Monday, Nov. 23, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.