Bakers are well known around the world for making bread, pastries, cakes and other baked goods. Becoming a baker these days has the potential for a more varied profession than simply working in a bakery and catering for the local customers – there are opportunities to work in specialty stores, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. They may work in a commercial factory, within a bakery chain or a small café, or even own and run their own business. 

While being a baker involves long hours and hard work, it is a very rewarding profession, offering the chance for creativity and success. Bakers may have a broad role, creating a range of products but can choose to specialize in a niche area such as pastry desserts or artisanal bread making.

History of Baking

Grains have been a staple food for thousands of years, meaning baking is a very ancient activity. Originally, wild grass grains were soaked in water and mixed together into a broth-like paste which was poured onto a flat, hot rock to cook. When humans mastered fire, the paste was roasted on embers. Ancient Egyptians began using yeast to bake bread, creating one of the first baking improvers. The world’s oldest oven dates back 6,500 years

The ancient Greeks were the first to use enclosed ovens heated by fire to bake bread, around 600 BC. Centuries later, the ancient Romans were responsible for the first mass production of breads and it’s said the baking profession began at that time.

Baking eventually became a commercial industry which used automated machinery

Skills and Attributes

Bakers not only require vast knowledge on developing and producing baked goods, but there are some personal attributes which are also essential to the job. 

Formal training to become a baker can be undertaken in a variety of ways. Completion of a traineeship or apprenticeship provides on the job training while working towards the qualification so it has the benefit of actually practicing the work in a baking environment. 

A formal qualification is another option, such as a Certificate III in Baking, which can be competed through a Registered Training Organization.

Understanding the different types of dough and pastry, along with various baking techniques are obvious skills to have, but the baking profession is also about understanding and complying with food safety rules and workplace safety, oven operation and the shelf life and science behind ingredients and baking.

Personal attributes required in a great baker are:

• Efficiency and organization – a busy occupation, multi-tasking and good time management are necessary characteristics. Bakers can find themselves working under pressure and an organised kitchen is a must.
• Good communication skills – bakers may interact with customers, suppliers and other staff, so being able to communicate proficiently and clearly is vital. Taking orders from senior staff or customers to determine exact requirements is an important part of the role and you may even be in a position down the track to train new staff.
• Physical fitness – being a baker can by physically demanding, often with long periods of being on your feet, working with hot ovens and moving heavy items. Physical strength and stamina will assist greatly. Bakers often begin their work day very early so their goods are ready and fresh for the day so you must be prepared to be an early riser.
• Good maths skills – calculating ingredients, preparing mixes and adjusting recipes will need a good understanding of basic maths. 
• Creativity – this is essential for trying new baking ideas and to keep your products interesting. It’s also helpful if you need to substitute ingredients or if something doesn’t go to plan with your baking.
• Attention to detail – excellent attention to detail is necessary for precision measurements and timing, to follow cooking instructions, alter recipes and ensure customer orders are accurately met.

Employment

Strong growth in employment opportunities for bakers is a great reason to become one! There is a projected job growth of 12.6% over the next four years to 2023.

In addition to qualifications, many employers seek experience so finding an assistant position to begin is a good option as being supervised by a professional baker will help greatly with developing the necessary skills. 

It’s worth considering what type of baking you’re interested in. You can choose a specialty, such as an artisanal baker, which requires the most skill, or a pastry chef, specializing in cakes and pastries. Commercial bakers often work in manufacturing facilities, making goods at high speed and high volume. Retail bakers work in bakeries, grocery stores or specialty shops, producing smaller volumes and preparing made to order goods. Perhaps owing your own bakery or cafe is your goal, which will involve making a variety of breads, cakes and pastries and also hiring and training staff and managing the overall business.

Tips for Success

Like most occupations, becoming a successful professional baker requires passion, dedication and practice. Understanding there is always more to learn, new techniques and ingredients available and room to improve will ensure you thrive as a baker. To stand out, you need to be creative and push yourself to enhance your skills and achieve beautiful baked goods for your customers.

When you become a professional baker, it’s important to use quality ingredients from well established companies, and will ensure your baked goods are perfect. You need the best when it comes to flour, yeast and baking improvers and bakery premixes.

Flexibility in your baking is important – keeping up with new trends, understanding dietary restrictions and using seasonal ingredients will meet any requests. 

Most of all, experiment and have fun with your baking!