How to become a Baker

How to become 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 â€" 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 ingredientsMonitoring baking processes and making adjustments where necessaryApplying finishing touches after baking is complete (e.g. icing, glazes, fillings)Packing and labelling products in line with company regulationsKeeping the work area and equipment clean and tidy at all timesOrdering and maintaining stock and equipmentServing goods to customersIs it 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 meticulousPhysically dexterous (to allow standing for long periods of time)Upbeat and friendlyAble to work well under pressureA good problem solverKnowledgeable of health and safety regulationsEnthusiastic, even if things go wrong (see: 50 burnt sausage rolls)Career Progression BakerUp to £20,000 Bakery SupervisorUp to £25,000 Bakery Plant Production ManagerUp to £40,000What's it really like? I work as an in-store Baker in my local supermarket, and I really enjoy it. My job mainly i nvolves 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 qualifiedYou 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.