Liaison College
Lakeshore Campus

2974 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
Toronto, ON M8V 1J9
Telephone: 416-259-1010
Fax: 416-259-7848

Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we list and answer some of the most common questions future students ask us at Liaison College.

If you have more questions, please contact us by phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I a chef when I’ve graduated?
• Why do we study theory?
• Do I need to have cooking experience before I can take your cook/chef training?
• What do I wear?
• What do you do with all the food the students cook?
• Do you offer hands-on classes or is the teaching done by demonstration?
• Are your instructors certified chefs?
• What types of salaries can be earned?

Am I a chef when I’ve graduated?

To become a certified chef, you must complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job practical work experience, which must include 300 to 600 in school course hours. Liaison College offers both basic and advanced culinary programs where a student will achieve the required in school training, which will go towards the 6,000 hours set by the apprenticeship board.

Why do we study theory?

To teach you the fundamentals that lead to a successful career in the professional kitchen of today and tomorrow.

Do I need to have cooking experience before I can take your cook/chef training?

No, you do not need to have prior cooking experience. Our Cook Basic program is designed for the novice cook. All you need is a love of cooking. You'll be amazed at how fast you'll learn!

What do I wear?

Our Students must wear the Liaison College chef's uniform at all times during their cook/chef training. You will be given your uniform on the first day of classes.

What do you do with all the food the students cook?

Do you offer hands-on classes or is the teaching done by demonstration?

Our Cook Basic and Cook Advanced programs includes 200 hours of hands-on training in the kitchen. Our chef instructors demonstrate each new cooking skill compentency, then the students actually do the cooking.

Are your instructors certified chefs?

Yes, all of our chef instructors are qualified under Ministry guidelines and have extensive experience in the food services industry.

What types of salaries can be earned?

Title: Cook
Job Description: Cooks prepare food in public and private eating establishments including hotels, restaurants, institutions, trains and ships.
Salary Expectation: $15,000-$75,000 per annum

Title: Chef
Job Description: Chefs plan, direct and participate in food preparation and cooking activities in restaurants, hotels, institutions and other food establishments.
Salary Expectation: $30,000-$85,000 per annum

Q. Why would I want a Culinary Career?

A. You have a passion for food and pleasing people. There are many benefits of a career in foodservice: Lots of Job potential, world wide demand, infinite income potential, exciting and challenging.

Q. What are the qualifications for getting accepted into a program?

A. Students must apply and supply school transcripts. Local students must attend a personal interview. Foreign students must send in a completed application form and supplementary documents.

Q. Is there an entry test? If so, what kind of test?

A. For students who do not have grade 12 or equivalent, they may be asked to do an entrance test for math and comprehension testing.

Q. When do the programs start?

A. Our flexible schedule has new start dates monthly throughout the year.

Q. When are the classes held?

A. We have morning, afternoon and evening start times Monday through Friday.

Q. How long are the programs?

A. Each level is 300 hours for Culinary.

Q. What about payment plans?

A. There are a number of payment options and scholarships available.

Q. What does it all cost?

A. Please contact us for full pricing details and upcoming class schedule.

Q. After I graduate, what jobs will I be qualified to do? And what can I call myself?

A. Job opportunities depend on several factors, but experience is #1.