Bakers: Making a Career in the Baking Industry
Published in culinary career, culinary arts career, baking by jamestomerson |
Job Description
The main job responsibility of bakers is to process raw products into finished baked items. They work to produce a wide variety of bakery items. Bakers who are employed in manufacturing unites are well trained to develop their own recipes and procedure. Finished baked products are sold through grocery stores, wholesalers, food service establishments etc.
Bakers work according to a baking production schedule, on an everyday basis. Depending on the recipe they want to produce, bakers are responsible for measuring the right amount of ingredients and mixing them in the correct proportion. They are well trained to work with large mixing machine bowls for making dough and batter. After they have prepared dough, batter and fillings, they roll them into different shapes for producing finished bakery products.
They also cut fruits required for making pastry or using as pie fillings. They are responsible for monitoring the entire procedure of baking. They set the correct temperature and time of the oven for producing best quality finished baked products. Once the baking is over, they also add a variety of toppings to these bakery items. In addition, bakers also ensure that appropriate safety and health guidelines are followed throughout the entire procedure of baking and creating final products.
Educational Qualification & Training
At least a high school diploma is required to step into this food processing occupation. There are various culinary arts schools and professional schools that offer courses in baking. Culinary courses train candidates in areas like food preparation, menu planning, food selection and food storage. Some of the professional schools also offer specialty training in the baking of specific items like gourmet breads and pastries among others. Most of the bakers learn the art and science of baking by working under the tutelage of an experienced professional.
Though certification is not necessary required, acquiring one will enhance the career prospects for candidates. Baker certification in the US can be obtained from the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). The RBA provides certification in key areas including management, retail sales, baking sanitation and staff training.
Job Characteristics
Apart from completing the required culinary training, candidates should also possess some essential job skills to make the most of their baking career. These include great precision, capability to follow the provided instructions (orally or written), a keen sense for taste and smell, ability to measure ingredients appropriately, dexterity etc. To work well in a team, candidates should also have excellent team playing and interpersonal skills. Physical stamina is also needed, as bakers spend most of their time standing.
Employment Prospects
There is a growing demand for bakers, as the number of traditional bakeries, specialty shops and stores continually increases. Abundant employment opportunities await candidates that have relevant educational qualification and work experience. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth of 10% in this occupation. Bakers can find employment opportunities in bakery departments, hotels, restaurants, cake shops, hot bread shops, cafeterias and bakery item manufacturing companies.
Annual Salary
Salaries of bakers will vary depending on their work experience, geographic location and the type and size of the employer. The average median annual salary of a baker is $21,330. Professionals can earn a higher salary as they grow in skills and experience.
