Immigrant women in Canada, including those from Nigeria with a permanent residency, can apply for a fully-funded 12-week culinary skills training for roles in the food industry.
The training hosted by the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA), is structured into four intakes per year, aiming to bridge employment gaps for immigrant women to thrive in Canada’s food industry.
Under the guidance of a Red Seal-certified chef, participants will receive hands-on training in a professional commercial kitchen, to occupy roles as cook, prep cook, and kitchen help.
Beyond culinary techniques, the programme will teach professionalism, workplace safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations, and a free advanced food safety and workplace hazardous materials information system certification (WHMIS).
Participants will also benefit from employment skills development, including English language enhancement, CV writing, and interview preparation, alongside job search assistance.
The programme is available to immigrant women who are permanent residents, with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels 5-6, and require support in securing meaningful employment in the food industry.
Programme highlights
This will hold in-person from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm,a nd will involve the following:
Training in dish preparation and assembly to meet industry standards
Advanced Food Safety certification
Standard First Aid certification, such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as well as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
English language training tailored to workplace communication
Employment skills development, including interview techniques and CV writing
12 weeks of occupational skills training
Additional support
To ensure accessibility, CIWA will provide childcare and transportation subsidies for participants.
Other benefits include:
Computer skills training
One-on-one job search support
Follow-up assistance post-programme completion
Referrals to additional CIWA programmes for extended support
Training aligned with Canadian health and safety regulations
For more information, visit CIWA’s website
Jobs and industry outlook
Canada’s food service industry is experiencing steady growth, leading to increased job opportunities, with steady growth contributing to a favourable job outlook for cooks and related roles.
According to labour market projections, the demand for cooks is expected to rise by 6 per cent between 2023 and 2033, driven by new job creation and vacancies resulting from retirements. While employment opportunities vary by region, the overall outlook remains positive, particularly within fast-food establishments and larger restaurant chains.
Highly trained chefs and cooks are in increasing demand, highlighting the necessity for specialised skills within the field. Experience in culinary arts and food safety can significantly enhance job prospects, as employers seek professionals with expertise in modern cooking techniques.
Certain areas, such as Vancouver Island and Victoria, British Columbia, report strong employment opportunities for cooks, reflecting regional variations in demand. While some regions experience higher recruitment levels, the industry’s overall growth suggests promising career prospects for those entering the profession.
Salary scale for cooks and related jobs in Canada
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a cook in Canada is approximately $31,200, equating to around $16 per hour. Entry-level roles typically start at $27,342 per year, while experienced cooks can earn up to $40,277 annually.
For a prep cook, the average yearly salary is about $33,205, with beginners earning around $32,260 and seasoned professionals making up to $38,543. The hourly wage stands at $17.08, ranging from $14 to $20.
The estimated total remuneration for a kitchen helper in Canada is $50,514 per year, with an average salary of $31,613, which equates to $15 per hour.
