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How to become a Baker

Baker

Career progression and salary expectations for a Baker

1

Baker

| Up to £20,000
2

Bakery Supervisor

| Up to £25,000
3

Bakery Plant Production Manager

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Baker

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
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)
"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

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