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How to become a Baker

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Baker jobs

539

Baker courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Baker

Baker

| Up to £20,000

Bakery Supervisor

| Up to £25,000

Bakery Plant Production Manager

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Baker

What does a Baker do?

Looking for a job that makes a lot of dough? You should become a Baker…

Bakers are responsible for preparing and baking a variety of sweet and savoury goods – including everything from breads, pies, and pastries, to muffins, cakes, and croissants.

They use a range of different techniques and equipment to form and shape these goods, from the rolling, cutting, and shaping stage, to the baking, finishing, and packaging stage. Some Bakers may also choose to specialise in a particular type of baking or cake decorating (e.g. wedding cakes).

Common duties for a Baker may include:

Collecting, measuring, and mixing ingredients
Monitoring baking processes and making adjustments where necessary
Applying finishing touches after baking is complete (e.g. icing, glazes, fillings)
Packing and labelling products in line with company regulations
Keeping the work area and equipment clean and tidy at all times
Ordering and maintaining stock and equipment
Serving goods to customers

Is a career as a Baker right for me?

Aside from a creative flair and a talent for baking (preparing, not eating), you’ll also need to be a good team player, and able to follow instructions accurately, in order to become a Baker.

After all, a few accidental spoonfuls of baking soda could make all the difference when it comes to creating the perfect erupting volcano cake.

Because Bakers are often required to work long or unsociable hours (early starts are common), a flexible and adaptable schedule is also a must.

A Baker should also be:

Accurate and meticulous
Physically dexterous (to allow standing for long periods of time)
Upbeat and friendly
Able to work well under pressure
A good problem solver
Knowledgeable of health and safety regulations
Enthusiastic, even if things go wrong (see: 50 burnt sausage rolls)

What's it like to be a Baker?

"I work as an in-store Baker in my local supermarket, and I really enjoy it. My job mainly involves preparing and baking breads, pastries, cakes, and other confectionaries that are then sold at the counter throughout the day. In amongst measuring, moulding, and timing the food, I also have to make sure the work area is kept clean and tidy. Care is key in this job, and unless you want to serve customers baguettes crossed with hot cross buns (yes, it actually happened once) you have to be really precise with what you’re doing. Although I have to start before the break of dawn every day, the early finishes are nice. Also, we get to eat the leftover cakes. So, swings and roundabouts…"

Get qualified as a Baker

You don’t need any formal qualifications to get started as a Baker, but some employers might look for candidates with a basic level of education (GCSE or higher in food tech may also be helpful). Gaining a qualification in baking, such as a Baking Diploma or Introduction to Baking certifcation, will also help to enhance and quantify your skills, and enable you to stand out from the crowd.

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