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What Is Required In Order To Become A Baker?

Career News July 19, 2014

A baker is a food worker who creates breads and other types of baked goods like pies, cakes, cookies, and pastries. A baker is responsible for measuring and preparing ingredients, baking foods properly, and decorating baked goods.

Bakers may work for restaurants, factories, small bakeries, and retail stores. A baker will work with mixers, dough cutters, and hot ovens that could cause injuries. A baker works part time sometimes, and his or her schedule could range from very early in the morning to late evening. Bakers may also be required to work on weekends or holidays.

Work Requirements

This particular field requires one to have some experience – having experience is a lot more important than having a standard general education. As a result, bakers are not typically required to earn a college or university degree. The training is usually received on the job, if you want to acquire a formal education, there are programs available at culinary or technical schools.

Here are steps you will need to take in order to become a baker:

Step One – Work as an Apprentice

Prior to becoming a professional baker, bakers need to acquire some experience. One way for any aspiring baker to get some experience is to take part in an apprenticeship program. When students are under supervision, they can learn the skills that are required to work on their own – the students will learn how to prepare and measure ingredients.

In internship programs, students will spend time getting quality on-the-job training at hotels, local restaurants, or bakeries. Although a college degree is typically not necessary, an apprenticeship program available through a community or technical college programs most times lead to the acquisition of a degree or certification.

Step Two – Learn to Run a Business

Many bakers decide to start their own businesses. There are universities and colleges that provide associate degree programs in entrepreneurship or business that help students learn how to run their businesses.

Aspiring bakers can also decide to take a course in small business management via continuing education courses. In these programs, a student basically learns about marketing tactics, product costs, and business plans. As a baker, you will also learn how to manage inventory and monitor your finances.

Step Three – Certification

Most employers do not require bakers to present some sort of certification, but earning a certification can help you stand out from the rest of the crowd when you attend a job interview. Certification for different levels of bakers can be obtained from the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), the certifications offered by the RBA include:

•Certified Baker (CB)
•Certified Journey Baker (CJB)
•Certified Mater Baker (CMB)

The way to become a baker and move up in ranks is to acquire a lot of work experience. A lot of bakers begin their career journey by being a baker’s assistant and gradually progress as they learn the skills and techniques needed to not only create top-notch baked goods, but to manage the business effectively.

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