George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Culinary Skills
Program Details
- Program Code: A110
- Credential: Ontario College Certificate
- Duration: 2 semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: This program is free for participants.
- Fall 2026 Delivery: Semester 1: Hybrid
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Not Available |
| Winter 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: No
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Leadership Claims
This program, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is designed for students who see work as part of their recovery process and is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s Culinary Skills (A110) is a free, supportive program designed to help those who face mental health or addiction challenges reach their education and employment goals. We'll prepare you for entry-level work in Toronto's food service industry through a combination of small-group learning, job coaching support, and experiential work opportunities.
Full Description
The Culinary Skills (A110) program at George Brown Polytechnic is one of two innovative Augmented Education employment-focused programs designed to help those with mental health and/or addiction challenges overcome common employment barriers.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this free program provides training to help you gain employment in Toronto's food service industry. If you see work as part of your recovery process and want to take the first step toward a new role in an exciting industry, then this program is for you. Upon completion of this program, you'll be the proud recipient of an Ontario College Certificate.
Culinary Skills Program Overview:
- This program is unique in Canada
- A free, two-semester, full-time program, beginning in September
- Enjoy learning from our instructors both in the classroom and kitchen lab for approximately 30-35 hours/week
- Gain real-world experience from 150 hours of work placement and workshops
- Get help with tutoring and support from our program coaches
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1002 | Baking and Pastry for Cooks |
| HOSF1029 | Theory of Food I |
| HOSF1145 | Sanitation |
| HOSF1202 | Culinary Foundations |
| HOSF1233 | Baking Pastry and Theory – Basic |
| HOSF1237 | Field Integration/Workshops I |
| HOSF1255 | Nutrition Fundamentals from a Culinary Perspective |
| MATH1200 | Culinary Math Essentials |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1184 | Café Production |
| HOSF1185 | Fundamentals of Butchery |
| HOSF1203 | Culinary Essentials |
| HOSF1241 | Field Integration/Workshops II |
| HOSF1242 | Baking Techniques II |
| HOSF1244 | Industry Practicum |
| HOST1005 | Food Beverage and Labour Cost Control |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Provide fundamental culinary preparation and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.
- Apply basic food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.
- Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food-handling regulations.
- Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces and the responsible, efficient use of resources.
- Support the development of menu options that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modifications for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.
- Apply fundamental business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to promote a fiscally responsible operation.
- Apply basic knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing, and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.
- Use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.
- Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations, and practices in the food service industry.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- mental health and/or addictions history
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Intake process involves all of the following:
- application completion
- academic assessment
- skills assessment
- interview
Course Exemptions
Due to the nature of this employment focused program, it is only offered in block format and as such cannot accommodate course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
How to Apply
Download the application package or call the Augmented Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790 or email a request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Contact Us
For more information or to receive an application package, contact the Augmented Education program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790, or send an email request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The Culinary skills program is taught at our St. James Campus at 300 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Information sessions for Culinary Skills (A110) are held regularly at the Hospitality Building at George Brown Polytechnic. Sign up!
Book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e. cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.). Choose "Work and College Preparation" as your area of interest.
You can also explore our virtual tour.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
This program, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is designed for students who see work as part of their recovery process and is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s Culinary Skills (A110) is a free, supportive program designed to help those who face mental health or addiction challenges reach their education and employment goals. We'll prepare you for entry-level work in Toronto's food service industry through a combination of small-group learning, job coaching support, and experiential work opportunities.
Full Description
The Culinary Skills (A110) program at George Brown Polytechnic is one of two innovative Augmented Education employment-focused programs designed to help those with mental health and/or addiction challenges overcome common employment barriers.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this free program provides training to help you gain employment in Toronto's food service industry. If you see work as part of your recovery process and want to take the first step toward a new role in an exciting industry, then this program is for you. Upon completion of this program, you'll be the proud recipient of an Ontario College Certificate.
Culinary Skills Program Overview:
- This program is unique in Canada
- A free, two-semester, full-time program, beginning in September
- Enjoy learning from our instructors both in the classroom and kitchen lab for approximately 30-35 hours/week
- Gain real-world experience from 150 hours of work placement and workshops
- Get help with tutoring and support from our program coaches
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1002 | Baking and Pastry for Cooks |
| HOSF1029 | Theory of Food I |
| HOSF1145 | Sanitation |
| HOSF1202 | Culinary Foundations |
| HOSF1233 | Baking Pastry and Theory – Basic |
| HOSF1237 | Field Integration/Workshops I |
| HOSF1255 | Nutrition Fundamentals from a Culinary Perspective |
| MATH1200 | Culinary Math Essentials |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1184 | Café Production |
| HOSF1185 | Fundamentals of Butchery |
| HOSF1203 | Culinary Essentials |
| HOSF1241 | Field Integration/Workshops II |
| HOSF1242 | Baking Techniques II |
| HOSF1244 | Industry Practicum |
| HOST1005 | Food Beverage and Labour Cost Control |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- mental health and/or addictions history
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Intake process involves all of the following:
- application completion
- academic assessment
- skills assessment
- interview
Course Exemptions
Due to the nature of this employment focused program, it is only offered in block format and as such cannot accommodate course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
How to Apply
Download the application package or call the Augmented Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790 or email a request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Provide fundamental culinary preparation and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.
- Apply basic food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.
- Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food-handling regulations.
- Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces and the responsible, efficient use of resources.
- Support the development of menu options that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modifications for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.
- Apply fundamental business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to promote a fiscally responsible operation.
- Apply basic knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing, and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.
- Use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.
- Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations, and practices in the food service industry.
Contact Us
For more information or to receive an application package, contact the Augmented Education program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790, or send an email request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The Culinary skills program is taught at our St. James Campus at 300 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Information sessions for Culinary Skills (A110) are held regularly at the Hospitality Building at George Brown Polytechnic. Sign up!
Book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e. cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.). Choose "Work and College Preparation" as your area of interest.
You can also explore our virtual tour.

Visit St. James Campus
Book campus tourGet answers to your questions
Book info sessionVisit St. James Campus
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms
Culinary Skills
Program Details
- Program Code: A110
- Credential: Ontario College Certificate
- Duration: 2 semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: This program is free for participants.
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Open | Not Available |
| Winter 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Program includes classroom and kitchen lab instruction, 150 hours of work placement and workshops.
- PGWP Eligible: No
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Leadership Claims
This program, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is designed for students who see work as part of their recovery process and is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s Culinary Skills (A110) is a free, supportive program designed to help those who face mental health or addiction challenges reach their education and employment goals. We'll prepare you for entry-level work in Toronto's food service industry through a combination of small-group learning, job coaching support, and experiential work opportunities.
Full Description
The Culinary Skills (A110) program at George Brown Polytechnic is one of two innovative Augmented Education employment-focused programs designed to help those with mental health and/or addiction challenges overcome common employment barriers.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this free program provides training to help you gain employment in Toronto's food service industry. If you see work as part of your recovery process and want to take the first step toward a new role in an exciting industry, then this program is for you. Upon completion of this program, you'll be the proud recipient of an Ontario College Certificate.
Culinary Skills Program Overview:
- This program is unique in Canada
- A free, two-semester, full-time program, beginning in September
- Enjoy learning from our instructors both in the classroom and kitchen lab for approximately 30-35 hours/week
- Gain real-world experience from 150 hours of work placement and workshops
- Get help with tutoring and support from our program coaches
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1002 | Baking and Pastry for Cooks |
| HOSF1029 | Theory of Food I |
| HOSF1145 | Sanitation |
| HOSF1202 | Culinary Foundations |
| HOSF1233 | Baking Pastry and Theory – Basic |
| HOSF1237 | Field Integration/Workshops I |
| HOSF1255 | Nutrition Fundamentals from a Culinary Perspective |
| MATH1200 | Culinary Math Essentials |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1184 | Café Production |
| HOSF1185 | Fundamentals of Butchery |
| HOSF1203 | Culinary Essentials |
| HOSF1241 | Field Integration/Workshops II |
| HOSF1242 | Baking Techniques II |
| HOSF1244 | Industry Practicum |
| HOST1005 | Food Beverage and Labour Cost Control |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Provide fundamental culinary preparation and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.
- Apply basic food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.
- Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food-handling regulations.
- Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces and the responsible, efficient use of resources.
- Support the development of menu options that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modifications for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.
- Apply fundamental business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to promote a fiscally responsible operation.
- Apply basic knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing, and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.
- Use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.
- Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations, and practices in the food service industry.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- mental health and/or addictions history
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Intake process involves all of the following:
- application completion
- academic assessment
- skills assessment
- interview
Course Exemptions
Due to the nature of this employment focused program, it is only offered in block format and as such cannot accommodate course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
How to Apply
Download the application package or call the Augmented Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790 or email a request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Contact Us
For more information or to receive an application package, contact the Augmented Education program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790, or send an email request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The Culinary skills program is taught at our St. James Campus at 300 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Information sessions for Culinary Skills (A110) are held regularly at the Hospitality Building at George Brown Polytechnic. Sign up!
Book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e. cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.). Choose "Work and College Preparation" as your area of interest.
You can also explore our virtual tour.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
This program, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is designed for students who see work as part of their recovery process and is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s Culinary Skills (A110) is a free, supportive program designed to help those who face mental health or addiction challenges reach their education and employment goals. We'll prepare you for entry-level work in Toronto's food service industry through a combination of small-group learning, job coaching support, and experiential work opportunities.
Full Description
The Culinary Skills (A110) program at George Brown Polytechnic is one of two innovative Augmented Education employment-focused programs designed to help those with mental health and/or addiction challenges overcome common employment barriers.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this free program provides training to help you gain employment in Toronto's food service industry. If you see work as part of your recovery process and want to take the first step toward a new role in an exciting industry, then this program is for you. Upon completion of this program, you'll be the proud recipient of an Ontario College Certificate.
Culinary Skills Program Overview:
- This program is unique in Canada
- A free, two-semester, full-time program, beginning in September
- Enjoy learning from our instructors both in the classroom and kitchen lab for approximately 30-35 hours/week
- Gain real-world experience from 150 hours of work placement and workshops
- Get help with tutoring and support from our program coaches
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1002 | Baking and Pastry for Cooks |
| HOSF1029 | Theory of Food I |
| HOSF1145 | Sanitation |
| HOSF1202 | Culinary Foundations |
| HOSF1233 | Baking Pastry and Theory – Basic |
| HOSF1237 | Field Integration/Workshops I |
| HOSF1255 | Nutrition Fundamentals from a Culinary Perspective |
| MATH1200 | Culinary Math Essentials |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1184 | Café Production |
| HOSF1185 | Fundamentals of Butchery |
| HOSF1203 | Culinary Essentials |
| HOSF1241 | Field Integration/Workshops II |
| HOSF1242 | Baking Techniques II |
| HOSF1244 | Industry Practicum |
| HOST1005 | Food Beverage and Labour Cost Control |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- mental health and/or addictions history
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Intake process involves all of the following:
- application completion
- academic assessment
- skills assessment
- interview
Course Exemptions
Due to the nature of this employment focused program, it is only offered in block format and as such cannot accommodate course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
How to Apply
Download the application package or call the Augmented Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790 or email a request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Provide fundamental culinary preparation and presentation for a variety of food service environments using a range of classical and contemporary techniques.
- Apply basic food and bake science to food preparation to create a desired end product.
- Contribute to and monitor adherence of others to the provision of a well-maintained kitchen environment and to the service of food and beverage products that are free from harmful bacteria or other contaminants, adhering to health, safety, sanitation and food-handling regulations.
- Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen and all aspects of food preparation to promote healthy work spaces and the responsible, efficient use of resources.
- Support the development of menu options that reflect knowledge of nutrition and food ingredients, promote general health and well-being, respond to a range of nutritional needs and preferences and address modifications for special diets, food allergies and intolerances, as required.
- Apply fundamental business principles and recognized industry costing and control practices to food service operations to promote a fiscally responsible operation.
- Apply basic knowledge of sustainability, ethical and local food sourcing, and food security to food preparation and kitchen management, recognizing the potential impacts on food production, consumer choice and operations within the food service industry.
- Use technology, including contemporary kitchen equipment, for food production and promotion.
- Perform effectively as a member of a food and beverage preparation and service team and contribute to the success of a food-service operation by applying self-management and interpersonal skills.
- Develop strategies for continuous personal and professional learning to ensure currency with and responsiveness to emerging culinary techniques, regulations, and practices in the food service industry.
Contact Us
For more information or to receive an application package, contact the Augmented Education program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6790, or send an email request to auged@georgebrown.ca.
Pour des services en français, veuillez communiquer avec nous au 416-415-5000, poste 3111 ou par courriel à frenchserviceinfo@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The Culinary skills program is taught at our St. James Campus at 300 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Information sessions for Culinary Skills (A110) are held regularly at the Hospitality Building at George Brown Polytechnic. Sign up!
Book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e. cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.). Choose "Work and College Preparation" as your area of interest.
You can also explore our virtual tour.

Visit St. James Campus
Book campus tourGet answers to your questions
Book info sessionVisit St. James Campus
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms
