Job Description

Bakers make bread, cakes and pastries using machines or by hand. They will measure and mix raw ingredients, bake and decorate items and ensure that all finished products adhere to quality and food safety standards.

Entry Requirements

There are various ways you can get into this job role and the entry requirements can vary depending on what you choose to do:

A college course

You can do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Bakery or Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery. Some courses similar to that could be Catering or Hospitality.

You may need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Hospitality:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course

An Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a baker intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start as a trainee or as a bakery assistant.

Career tips

Any experience you have of making or serving food may help you get into this job e.g. part time job as a waiter/waitress.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could become a bakery supervisor, charge hand or production manager.

As an in-store or industrial baker, you could move into a job at a flour mill or become a sales representative.

You could also become a technical adviser or development baker for a baked goods or equipment company.

Another option is to become a craft baker and set up your own business.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Chef
Cake decorator
Kitchen assistant
Catering manager

Required Skills

You'll need:

knowledge of food production methods
the ability to work well with your hands
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
maths knowledge
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to use your initiative
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Salary Range

£13,750 to £40,000

Baker