These rates are among the highest for technical, paraprofessional and skilled occupations and for occupations in sales and service. These earnings are among the lowest for technical, paraprofessional and skilled occupations and for occupations in sales and service. Persons 15 to 29 years old make up a large proportion of new hires in these occupations, indicating that these are often entry-level positions. The separation rate in these occupations is high, indicating that these jobs tend to be of short duration. Employment in these occupations is moderately sensitive to overall economic conditions but is not seasonal.
Cooks complete a three-year apprenticeship, or a college or other program in cooking.
They may also gain several years' commercial cooking experience. Cook trade qualification is available in all provinces except Quebec, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Supervising chefs, sous-chefs, chefs and working chefs require a cook apprenticeship or formal training abroad or equivalent training and experience. Supervisors and administrators usually require several years' experience including two years' supervisory experience in commercial food preparation, and experience as a chef. Sous-chefs, working chefs and chefs usually require several years' experience in commercial food preparation.