The Grand Diploma at PICAchef Culinary Arts + Baking and Pastry Arts
Develop a Full Suite of Professional Culinary Skills
Take your passion for food and build skills in everything from classical French cuisine and choux pastry to menu costing. The Grand Diploma at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICAchef) is designed to equip students for a range of professional foodservice careers. In as little as one year of hands-on study at our Vancouver institute, you can prepare to pursue your culinary industry goals.
Our program features small, supportive classes, experienced chef instructors and opportunities for networking and career development, thanks to our extensive alumni network and our Granville Island location.
What We Teach
The Grand Diploma is our most comprehensive program, covering professional culinary and pastry skills, as well as foodservice operations management and career development.
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
- Comprehensive skill development, from culinary and pastry essentials to operations management
- Industry-informed curriculum that covers traditional and modern techniques, including plant-based cooking and global cuisine
- Supportive small-class environment where you receive personal attention and mentorship as well as intensive skill preparation
Program Format
- Full-time, in-person study at PICAchef in Vancouver
- Hands-on experience in our eight professional teaching kitchens
- Finish in as few as 12 months
Curriculum Highlights
- Culinary: Knife skills, pasta making, butchery and wine pairings
- Baking and Pastry: Cakes, confections, artisan breads and frozen desserts
- Professional Knowledge: Menu design and costing, operations management and food photography and styling
I graduated from the one-year Culinary Arts & Baking & Pastry Arts program at PICAchef, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The instructors brought so much expertise and energy into the kitchen, and the hands-on training really prepared me for the industry. Having PICAchef’s reputation behind me made finding my first job so much easier.
Alex O.
I completed the Dual-Diploma program at PICAchef, and it was such a rewarding experience. Both the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs were welcoming to all skill levels, and the instructors were friendly and approachable. Small classes meant I got plenty of individual attention, and I left with amazing memories and skills I’ll carry for life.
Kimberly M.
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors
