PRODUCE PATH · ONTARIO TRADE 415A
Cook
A Cook prepares a wide range of foods for public consumption in various settings, for small or large groups or individual dishes in restaurants and test kitchens. Specifically, a Cook:
RED SEAL TRADENON-COMPULSORY IN ONTARIOFOOD / HOSPITALITY
Original generated editorial image • not a real employee
WHY THE WORK MATTERS
Preparation, timing and judgment turn a busy service into a consistent meal.
Cooks prepare and assemble varied foods, coordinate stations, manage food safety and adapt timing so individual dishes and large services come together.
6,000 hoursgeneral apprenticeship duration
$36,000estimated median at 2,000 paid hours
Red Seal tradenationally recognized standard
EXPLORE IN ORDER
Four questions. One clearer next step.
WHERE THE WORK LIVES
Real settings for real work
restaurants and caféshotels and resortscatering and event kitchensclubs and remote campshealth-care and institutional kitchens
EVIDENCE BASE
Sources & verification
Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.
Skilled Trades Ontario — Cook ↗Official scope, duties, training and certificationGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmarkSkilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registrationOntario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway