Baking various breads and pastries is work which suits those with an interest in the food industry in general and ambitions of running their own bakery after gaining experience. Simple kitchen practices are required as a starting point, with many vocational colleges offering elementary food hygiene courses covering industry standards. Unsocial hours may be an element of the job as in small bakeries the product is generally required first thing in the morning and large commercial bakeries run 24/7 supplying supermarkets and hotels on a daily basis with employees working shifts as a result.
Employer requirements for the job include personal cleanliness, basic food handling and food preparation certification along with the appropriate health and safety knowledge. Working with a team and according to specific instructions by supervisors is essential, as is attention to details, especially when working in a small company. Wages for this job at entry-level are normally calculated on an hourly basis, on or slightly over the national minimum rate up to around £8 per hour.

• Adaptability and efficiency
• Baking, cooking and measuring
• Being creative and artistic
• Being physically resilient
• Being sociable and honest
• Handling stress and disappointments
• Ordering and stocking supplies
• Organisation and patience
• Reading and understanding written instructions
• Teamwork and safety
• Using machines and equipment

Many students leave high school and go directly into training to become Bakers. They may have prior certification in Math, English or Food related subjects. Certifying bodies such as the NVQ, SVQ, GCSE, HND, HNC and SQA have Food, Baking and beverage courses that may range at different levels starting at level 1.
There are also apprentice opportunities as well which will allow apprentices to learn from more experienced Bakers. Here there is the opportunity to earn while you learn. Courses being offered for individuals interested in Baking include:
•    Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations
•    Pastry Chefs and Patissiers
•    Cake Decoration
•    Wired Sugar Flowers
•    Food Science & Manufacturing Technology
•    Food Manufacture
•    Creative Techniques
•    Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services
•    Baking Technology Management