If you’ve got a passion for the culinary arts, but you thought that your dream of becoming a certified cook had to wait until after graduation, we have some good news!
As a high school student, you are eligible to sign up for ACE-IT and the Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA). Both ACE IT and SSA allow you to obtain credits towards your high school diploma, and credits towards your Professional Cook 1 certification at the same time.
By completing the classroom study component (ACE IT), and a certain portion of the hands-on hours through your SSA program, you’ll just need to complete the remaining hours required in the practical component in order to be able to receive your Professional Cook 1 certification.
Your school can act as your sponsor should you choose to complete the hours part -time during your studies, or you can transfer sponsorship to an employer after you have graduated.
While each high school program may look slightly different, the end result is the same. Whether your school partners with a post-secondary institution to deliver the curriculum, or opt to offer hands-on training right in your very own school cafeteria, you can gain the practical skills associated with a profession in the culinary arts, while using those same credits towards your high school diploma. As an SSA student, you can earn up to 16 credits towards you high school diploma, and your Professional Cook 1 certification.
Some students opt to begin the program in Grade 12, while others choose to start as early as Grade 10. And while there aren’t any age restrictions, a strong foundation in Grade 10 English, Mathematics and Science is highly recommended.
By choosing this path, you will find a seamless transition from school to the world of work, or a clear road leading directly to Professional Cook 2 at one of the accredited post-secondary institutions.(For more information on ACE IT and SSA, visit the ITA website).
