As a Veteran, I have felt supported and welcomed by Le Cordon Bleu from the beginning. They were accommodating and offered all the support that I needed to succeed. Their values also coincide with the military which facilitated an easier transition. At Le Cordon Bleu, you will find teamwork, work ethic, discipline and passion. Enrolling at Le Cordon Bleu has been an extraordinary experience. I had the opportunity to learn from Michelin Star Chefs in a state-of-the-Art learning facility while being in an elegant historical building. And let’s not forget all the incredible culinary delights that I learned how to prepare.

After serving 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, I retired. Thanks to Veterans Affairs, I had the opportunity to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu's Diplôme de Cuisine program and pursue my passion for cooking. I found the curriculum challenging yet highly rewarding. The course is divided into three stages: Base, Intermediate, and Superior, which allows students to progress gradually from basic to advanced techniques. The experienced instructors were all extremely knowledgeable and patient, ensuring that all students reached their full potential.

After taking a break from work my first big decision was to invest some time and effort in a passion of mine – so I signed up to earn my Diplôme de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu. That kept me very occupied and engaged for nine months. I will tell you that retired military folks fit very well in a professional kitchen. There is leadership needed, teamwork is critical, there are techniques and procedures, communication is standardized, organization (ie. mise en place) and discipline (especially with very sharp and/or very hot objects) are tenets of success – I could go on and on. My first two weeks on the Basic Course reminded me of basic training!