Baker - How to become a Baker

Baker as a profession is in more demand than its superior cousin Chef, whether  in  Hotels, Restaurant or at Bakery. These professionals are highly skilled and innovative. Prospects of a specialized Baker are very good in today’s world where every auspicious occasion is customized to be started with a Cake whether it is small birthday party or a marriage reception. There are lots of options to travel overseas and earn money in terms of foreign currency.

But all this is not as simple as it seems to be. Being a baker is a lot more than just knowing how to bake bread. Bakery and confectionery as a career is both an art and science. A baker makes various kinds of loaves, bread rolls, croissants, buns, pastries, cakes and savories by adding his own innovation to his basic knowledge of baking. In terms of qualities this industry calls for lots of commitment and passion, besides a lot of creativity.

As a Baker one has to work very long hours and be prepared for hard work because it is job that required hundred percent commitments to progress. To survive in this industry the main attribute required from the aspirants are that they should have a well developed sense of taste and smell which allow you to explore bold new flavor combinations and make them work. The ability to experiment and be creative are other essentials that will enable you to leave your mark on baked dishes you create.

To discharge his duties with utmost efficiency a Baker should have the requisite basic knowledge concerned with this field. For this there are specific short term and long term integrated courses available which one has to undergo.

Eligibility to become a Baker

1. Educational Qualification

The eligibility for admission to Bakery course at the undergraduate level is higher secondary examination pass irrespective of the stream and the percentage of marks obtained at this level.

How to become a Baker?

To become a Baker one has to follow the below given steps:

Step 1

Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance tests conducted by Ministry or Tourism run IHM institutions across India or opting for a good private organization or international institution.

These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions based on the relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July

However some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class

Step 2

After completing these 3-4 years of hotel management degree specializing in Food Beverages one can opt for some specialized Certificate course in bakery and confectionary.

The aspirants can also skip the step 1 ie they may not join a three or four year course if they specifically join the Bakery or confectionary field. Then can join Short term Diploma or certificate courses in Bakery offered by many institutes throughout the world to get the requisite basic qualification to excel in this field.

Baker Job Description

Bakers work in various establishments producing bakery items like kitchens in restaurants, grocery stores dealing in bakery items, and specific bakeries. Some bakers work in big multinational companies manufacturing large quantities of baked goods. Whether working in a small bakery or a multinational company baker have to perform more or less similar task of varying magnitude.

Like they check the production schedule to determine the variety and quantity of goods to be baked on a particular, measure various input ingredients into according to the recipes, observe products as they bake for color, shapes etc. They are also responsible for selecting icing, toppings of the products. Thus they remain at the helm of the affairs from very start to the time the product is ready for serve or deliver. They are the one’s responsible for selecting the equipments as well as technology to be used in the production process.

Baker Career Prospects

Enormous  employment opportunities are available in this field. One can go for his own Bakery and confectionary shop/Business as demand for these goods has been ever increasing with every passing day. If you are looking for a salaried job instead of starting your own bakery, you can get lucrative jobs both in India and abroad as chefs in the stream of bakery and confectionery. In India experienced professionals can get jobs in Taj Bengal, ITC, Trident and other starred hotels. Abroad they can join in various cruise lines - Miami Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Apollo Cruise Line.

Baker Salary

In India the starting salary for the Baker on an average is Rs.12,000 per month where as abroad it is $ 700. However experienced bakers can expect as good as Rs.40,000 per month depending upon the organisation they ae working in and their own capabilities and creative skills in the field.

The hierarchy of posts in bakery and confectionery are as follows:

• Chef
• CDP and
• Commi 1.