Learn Beyond the Classroom
The Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program began its first formal co-op component for certificate students in the summer 2021 semester. Having a recognized co-op component as part of this program allowed students to not only apply their training in the field full-time but facilitate the accumulation of hours towards their apprenticeship and Red Seal designation. Students in this program worked alongside professional pastry chefs in a range of local artisan bakeries, patisserie shops, high-end resorts, commercial bakeries and specialty catering companies. The addition of the summer co-op program was very well received by both students and employers, and its first year was a huge success. All students were hired upon completion of their co-op and are now happily baking delicious creations and continuing their professional journey in the field.
Student Story
Kara Shedden has always wanted to own her own ice cream shop, and now that her dream has come true, life is pretty sweet.
After graduating from Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Baking and Pastry Arts foundation program in 2016, she started her own business selling baked goods at the Island Roots Farmers’ Market; however, making ice cream was what she really wanted to do.
“After many phone calls and realizing that I wouldn’t be able to sell ice cream at the local markets as a home-based business, we took the next step and started looking at commercial locations around town,” says Shedden.
Burnt Honey Dessert Company, named after Shedden’s signature, self-invented ice cream flavour, opened on February 4, 2019 in Country Club Centre, during a major snowstorm that shut down schools and businesses across the city.
Kara Shedden, Baking and Pastry Arts Student