YMCA Basic Culinary Skills Training Program

Absolutely! The Hospitality program prides itself on a 80–90% success rate. We can provide you with important job-related skills, support with finding a non-paid, 4-week placement, and help you search for available jobs.

Yes. The YMCA supports diversity and inclusivity. We accept newcomers including refugees and Permanent Residence applicants. You must have a work permit that is valid for 1 year after the program start date, a minimum LINC level 5, and you must be legally able to work in Canada.

Yes. The program requires that you are able to function in a kitchen setting. This may involve standing for extended periods of time and handling up to 50 Ibs. (approximately the weight of a large sack of potatoes). Also, you need to be in receipt of Ontario Works (Welfare).

No, the program is free for recipients of Ontario Works. Unfortunately, it is not open to the general public for payment.

To start the intake process, you will need to attend a one-hour orientation to learn about the program and decide if you'd like to participate. From there, you will need to register for a 2-day job shadow period that involves helping in the kitchen with some light tasks. At the end of the second day, a chef will administer a Culinary Questionnaire. If you are accepted into the program, we will contact you the week before the start of the new cohort/group.

You don’t need any cooking skills, but it would be helpful.

The program is 10 months long and includes 16 weeks of instructor-led, hands-on kitchen experience. This includes food labs, culinary skills demonstrations and employer presentations. There is also a one-week Life Skills component (focusing on teamwork, communication, etc.) and weekly Job Search workshops. You'll also receive 24 weeks of post-program employment support.

If accepted, you will receive a hat, two jackets and two aprons. When you graduate, you will receive a YMCA Basic Culinary Skills Program Certificate, CPR/AED, WHMIS, Food Safety Certificate and a knife set.

Due to COVID-19, the Life Skills and Job Search workshops are virtual due to limited access to workshop rooms. The rest of the program is full-time in the kitchen.

Yes. We have been operating since May 2020 and there have been no cases of COVID-19. We follow a strict daily screening process and follow Ontario’s COVID-19 procedures as it pertains to restaurants, bars & other food service premises.

We have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for all visitors, staff, volunteers, members and participants 12 and older. For more information please visit https://ymcagta.org/vaccination.