How to become a Baker

Bakers use their skills and knowledge to produce a wide variety of baked goods, both sweet and savory. They oversee the creation of food from every stage, from the initial measuring and mixing of ingredients to taking them out of the oven for final touches and finishes.

If you love food, are an early bird, and can handle working on your feet, becoming a Baker could be perfect for you.

About you:

Physically fit and resilient
Excellent communicator
Good with your hands
Strong work ethic
Committed and dedicated
Adaptable and flexible
Great time management skills
Organised and efficient

The job:

Preparing and measuring ingredients
Kneading, cutting, and shaping dough and pastry
Preparing pastry fillings
Monitoring oven temperatures before and during cooking
Cooking foods for the appropriate amount of time
Finishing baked goods by glazing, icing, etc.
Following strict food safety guidelines
Keeping kitchens and equipment clean and sanitary

Lifestyle Impact: High

Part Time opportunities: Moderate – around 28% of Bakers work part-time (source: gov.au).
Average hours for full-time workers: 44 hours a week, which is around average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
Bakers’ salary (average) $55,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
Future career growth: Moderate (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
You will be doing most of your work indoors, working with your hands and on your feet.
You will be working with dangerous equipment, such as knives and very hot ovens.
You’ll most likely have to start work in the very early hours of the morning, ensuring product is ready to go by the time shops are open and customers start coming in. You will probably also be expected to work on weekends and holidays.

Bakers are most in demand in these locations:

This is a large occupation, with around 34,200 people working as Bakers in Australia in 2021 (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). Demand for Bakers is spread evenly across Australia, with higher-than-average demand in Victoria. Most Bakers work in the Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Services industries.

How to become a Baker in Australia

You usually need to complete a relevant VET qualification in order to work as a Baker in Australia. This is generally done as an apprenticeship.

Step 1 – Complete Year 10 with a focus on English and Maths.

Step 2 – Find a business willing to take you on as an apprentice and complete your VET qualification, usually a Certificate III in Baking.

Step 3 – Start working as a qualified Baker and continue to build your skills and knowledge.

Step 4 – Once you have lots of experience, consider starting your own business and employing others.

Find out more here –

http://www.baa.asn.au/

http://www.nbia.org.au/

Similar Careers to Baker

Chocolatier

Pastrycook

Chef

Butcher

Bartender

Waiter

Restaurant Manager

Find out more about alternative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do Bakers do?

Bakers prepare and cook a variety of baked goods and pastries, including bread, rolls, cakes, biscuits, slices, and more.

Which industries employ Bakers?

Bakers are mostly employed in the Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Services industries.

What options are there for career progression?

You will start out as an apprentice, before becoming a fully qualified Baker. With lots of experience and knowledge, you could open up your own bakery or patisserie shop.

Do I need to go to university to become a Baker?

No, you do not need to go to university to become a Baker in Australia. However, you will need to complete a VET qualification, usually through an apprenticeship.

Where do Bakers work?

There is demand for Bakers across all of Australia, particularly in Victoria.

What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Baker?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Baker is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:

Take short courses and baking workshops. Experiment with making delicious foods for your friends and family. Volunteer to run a bake sale for your school or in your community.
See if you can find work experience with a local business. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Talk to a Baker to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in hospitality.