Baker
What is the work like?
As a baker, you would use a range of methods to produce bread and confectionery products, such as cakes, pastries and biscuits. You would usually work in one of three types of bakery: plant, in-store or craft.
In a plant bakery, you would use machinery and production lines to manufacture large amounts of baked goods for shops, supermarkets and other major consumers.
As an in-store baker, for example with a supermarket, you would use some automated machinery to make fresh bread products to be sold in the store.
In a craft bakery, you would create products on a smaller scale to be sold in a shop, delicatessen or chain of specialist shops. This work would be more varied and although some machinery is used, you would carry out much of the work by hand.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can apply for work as a trainee in a bakery without any specific qualifications. However, GCSEs in English, maths, science or food technology would be an advantage.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training, and you may also be encouraged to take a course in food safety and food hygiene such as those awarded by the CIEH, RIPH and RSPH.
As a plant baker, you may find it useful to take a short introductory course to plant bakery run by the Federation of Bakers. As a craft baker, you could work towards a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma for Pastry Chefs and Patissiers awarded by the ABC exam board.
Whichever setting you work in, you may be able to take NVQ levels 1, 2, or 3 in Food Manufacture, specialising in craft bakery skills or process bakery skills. With further training, you may have the opportunity to go into teaching baking skills in a college or training centre.
Where can I go for more information?
6 Catherine StreetLondon
WC2B 5JW
Tel: 020 7420 7190
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448
http://www.improve-skills.co.uk/
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Bakers can earn between £11,000 and £18,000 a year.
- With experience and specialist skills, this could rise to between £25,000 and £30,000.
Additional payments may be made for working overtime or shifts.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 39 hours a week over five days, with very early starts. Plant bakeries usually operate shifts on a rota system, which will include nights and weekends. As an in-store or craft baker you would also be expected to cover weekends.
The work involves a lot of standing, lifting and carrying trays and heavy sacks of flour, although lifting equipment is widely used.
Bakeries are noisy and dusty. If you have asthma, an allergy to dust, or certain skin conditions, you may find this kind of work unsuitable. There are strict health, safety and hygiene requirements and you will usually be supplied with protective clothing, such as hats and overalls.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a passion for food
- good number skills for measuring ingredients, ordering supplies and calculating cooking times
- practical baking skills
- creativity for moulding dough and decorating confectionery products
- the ability to work under pressure
- good organisational skills
- an awareness of safety and hygiene regulations
- a reasonable level of physical fitness for lifting and carrying heavy trays and sacks of flour
- good teamworking skills.
What opportunities are there?
With experience you could progress to bakery supervisor, chargehand or production manager. You may need to relocate to gain experience and promotion.
If you have experience as an in-store or plant baker, you may be able to move into working for a flour-mill or bakery equipment company as a sales representative, technical adviser or as a test baker, developing different baking techniques.
If you have worked as a craft baker, you could become self-employed and set up your own bakery business.
You will find jobs advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus and in trade journals such as Bake & Take, and British Baker (which you can subscribe to through the bakeryinfo website).
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