Culinary Arts at PICAchef Culinary Arts Program
Build the Skills to Thrive in a Professional Kitchen
Take your passion for food to a new professional level. The Culinary Arts program at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICAchef) builds your foundation in knife skills, stocks and sauces, butchery and plating, then expands into fermentation, charcuterie, plant-based cuisine and international cooking. In as few as six months of hands-on study at our Vancouver institute, you can prepare to pursue a range of career paths in the fast-moving food industry.
Our program features small, supportive classes led by experienced chef instructors. Plus, our extensive alumni network and our location on Granville Island present you with opportunities for networking and career development.
What We Teach
Our Culinary Arts program starts with the fundamentals and builds toward advanced techniques, menu engineering and food and beverage operations management, covering both the craft and the business of food.
Hands-On Education
Train in our eight professional kitchens under the guidance of experienced chef instructors. Our chef-to-student ratio is as low as 1:14.
Who Our Students Are
PICAchef students come from all walks of life: new high school graduates, career changers and industry veterans who want to advance their skills.
Why Choose PICAchef
Since our founding in 1997, we’ve built a reputation for excellence. Our Granville Island location puts you at the heart of Vancouver’s exciting cultural scene, and our connections throughout Canada and beyond give you access to exceptional networking opportunities.
Benefits
- A strong foundation in classical technique, from knife skills and stocks to sauces and butchery
- Industry-informed curriculum that covers modern methods, including fermentation, plant-based cuisine and international cuisine
- Built-in career preparation, with portfolio development, interviewing skills and entrepreneurship training
Program Format
- Full-time study five days a week, combining on-site kitchen training with online learning
- Hands-on experience in our eight professional teaching kitchens
- Finish in as few as six months
Curriculum Highlights
- Culinary Foundations: Knife skills, stocks and sauces, egg cookery and vegetable preparation
- Advanced Techniques: Butchery, fish preparation, charcuterie, fermentation and artisanal pasta
- Professional Knowledge: Menu engineering, food costing, nutrition, plating and food photography
The Culinary Arts program at PICAchef completely exceeded my expectations. I developed my skills in ways I didn’t imagine possible, but I also grew so much personally. The people I met inspired me and made every day in the kitchen exciting.
Sofia M.
Joining the Culinary Arts program at PICAchef was one of the best choices I’ve made. The learning environment is encouraging, the training is hands-on, and you walk away with real skills and experiences that stick with you.
Miki S.
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors
