Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Vancouver Island University

Overview

This internationally recognized Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program from Vancouver Island University provides students with hands-on, real-world experiences providing baked goods and pastries to the university community, including making cakes to order.  

Students of VIU’s baking school also learn on the department’s wood-fired brick oven.

Graduates of our pastry art school have found work in bakeries – including opening their own – and a range of high-end restaurants, world-class hotels and resorts. Educational grants are available to students wanting to train in these in-demand industries.

The Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island (CIVI) at VIU provides students with a Certificate in Professional Baking and Pastry Arts, giving them a leading edge for advancement and progression in the baking and pastry profession. This full-time program provides students with knowledge and experience in the science and production of bakery items baked in both commercial ovens and our wood burning brick oven. 

Emphasis is placed on traditional and artisan baking methods as applied to modern Canadian and international trends. 

The pastry arts component of the program also provides the fundamental skills needed in pastry training from cake decorating, including wedding and special occasion cakes, to desserts, chocolate and sugar work. 

Baking and pastry arts students are ready for employment in patisserie shops, hotels, retail and wholesale bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, camps and other food–related businesses.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island baking and pastry arts students are ready for employment in the professional baking and pastry industry — patisserie shops, hotels, retail and wholesale bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, camps and other bakery related franchises hire our graduates both in Canada and internationally. The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program has information about careers and industry standards in baking and pastry.