You can do a college course, for example:
- hospitality and catering
- bakery
- professional bakery
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Bakers make bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods. They mix ingredients, knead dough, and use ovens to bake tasty treats. Bakers can work in bakeries, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. They need to follow recipes carefully and make sure everything is cooked just right. Bakers often work early in the morning so that fresh bread and cakes are ready for people to buy when shops open. Being a baker can be hard work, but it is also very rewarding for those who love making food and being creative.
Most bakers in the UK earn between £17,000 and £25,000 per year.
There are around 40,000 people working as bakers and flour confectioners in the UK.
Many bakers start work very early in the morning, often between 3am and 5am.
A person who specialises in baking and decorating different types of cupcakes for parties and celebrations.
Someone who makes different kinds of bread, like rolls, baguettes, and wholemeal loaves, in a bakery.
A person who bakes and decorates biscuits with icing, sprinkles, and other tasty toppings.
Start by helping make simple things like bread or cupcakes at home.
Ask an adult to help you with basic recipes. Try mixing flour, sugar, and eggs, and learn how ingredients come together. This will help you understand the basics of baking and how to follow instructions.
Choose food technology or cooking classes at school if they are available.
Food technology classes teach you about food, safety, and simple baking methods. You will get to use kitchen tools and try new recipes, helping you become more confident in the kitchen.
Find a baking club or a workshop in your local area to learn more.
Some community centres or bakeries offer workshops for young people. You can learn new techniques, meet other bakers, and practise making different baked goods. This is also a fun way to learn teamwork.
Ask a local bakery if you can visit or help out for a day.
Many bakeries are happy to show young people around. You might be able to watch how bread and cakes are made, and even help with simple tasks. This experience helps you see what a baker does every day.
When you are older, you can take college courses in baking or pastry making.
Colleges offer courses like Level 2 or 3 Diplomas in Professional Bakery. These teach you special skills used by bakers, including how to use big ovens and decorate cakes. You may also learn about food hygiene and business.
Look for a bakery apprenticeship after school.
Apprenticeships let you learn on the job with experienced bakers while earning a wage. You get real-world practice and can work towards a qualification. This is a great way to start your career as a baker.
Pastry chefs create desserts and sweet treats, such as cakes, tarts, and biscuits, often working in restaurants or hotels.
Butchers prepare and sell meat, working in butcher shops or supermarkets, and sometimes in markets.
Catering assistants help prepare and serve food and drinks at events, cafes, and canteens.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Baker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
You can get into this job through:
You can do a college course, for example:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could begin your career by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:
These can take around 2 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start as a trainee or assistant in a bakery shop, supermarket or food production plant, and work your way up through training on the job.
You can find out more about working in the baking industry from Tasty Careers and the Federation of Bakers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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