To apply and qualify for an Apprenticeship, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have legal permission to work in Canada (for example, have a valid Social Insurance Number).
• Have a Canadian Secondary School Diploma, or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
• Be able and prepared to study in English.

The Apprenticeship + Diploma full-time program has an average of 40 students entering the year one program each October. Our Chef Instructor to student ratio in the kitchen is 1:15 maximum.

Yes! Because our classes are small and the Chef Instructor to student ratio in the kitchen is 1:15 maximum, students get plenty of individual help and attention from their Instructors, who work alongside students in the kitchens, to coach and guide their hands-on learning.

A typical week in Level 1 of the 32-week Professional Diploma with Apprenticeship Program involves classes Tuesday through Saturday, which take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening on a revolving schedule.

Schedules change in a 4-week rotation, allowing each student to learn with each of the different Chef Instructors, in both teaching kitchens, and at different times of the day.

Morning practical cookery classes begin at 8:15 am, afternoon theory classes begin between 1 and 1:30 pm, and evening practical cookery classes and practical pastry classes run 5:30-9:30 pm.

Additionally, students are scheduled for one or two service shifts at the student-led Restaurant Dinner Labs each week. This valuable opportunity allows the student to develop skill and comfort in serving the public in a dining room, or the chance to observe the action in the kitchen as a dishwasher.

The Professional Diploma with Apprenticeship Program runs for 32 weeks over 18 months. Level 1 classes run from mid-October through early March, followed by a 6-month work term from April through September. For those who are eligible, the Program resumes with Level 2 from mid-October through early March.

LEVEL 1 Apprentice Tuition $8,600 CAD

LEVEL 2 Apprentice Tuition $8,500 CAD

Registered Apprentices are eligible to apply for Government Loans, Grants, and other Benefits for Apprentices.

The School offers a payment plan and a range of Scholarships, Awards and Bursary opportunities to help support our students. Stratford Chefs School is a not-for profit, registered Canadian charity that actively fundraises to help keep tuition fees reasonable, and maintain the exceptional quality of the program.