Bakers are employed in various industries, including grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, hotels, and large manufacturing facilities. These jobs involve baking, mixing, preparing, shaping, and packaging baked goods. They are typically hired full time, but part-time work is also common. Bakers must be flexible and knowledgeable in order to fulfill orders. Aside from having good organizational skills, a baker needs a keen sense of detail and a creative mind.
Bakers may work in a team, with other employees. They have to be efficient in preparing and mixing ingredients. The job involves long hours, and they are responsible for the finished products. Often, bakers take on the responsibility of training other staff. In addition, they have to be precise in their timings, because the products are highly time-sensitive.
The main ingredient in most bakery products is flour. Other ingredients include water, eggs, and salt. Various minor ingredients are used, as well. All of these have the ability to modify the quality of the bakery products.
Bakers must be able to lift and carry heavy bags of flour and other ingredients, as well as perform manual labor. Many bakers must stand for long periods of time, as they must monitor the products in the oven. If they are not careful, the bread or other baked goods can burn. It is essential that bakers understand the chemical reactions that occur in baking.
Bakers usually start their work at a very early hour, so they must be able to handle a fast-paced work environment. Many bakers also have to work late nights. This may require them to do shifts during the weekend. Some bakers will need to attend culinary or technical school, while others will receive short-term, on-the-job training.
To become a certified baker, you will need to complete a minimum of one year of work experience and 30 hours of professional development education. You will also need to pass the Occupational Health and Safety test. Fortunately, there are a number of schools that offer baking degrees. Depending on the program, you can pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or associate’s degree.
Most bakers work in retail and commercial bakeries. Retail bakers produce baked goods to sell in grocery stores, specialty shops, and restaurant chains. Their job requires them to set prices, follow time-sensitive baking procedures, and budget for supplies. Commercial bakers, on the other hand, often operate conveyors or high-volume mixing machines.
Bakers usually have to have a good eye for detail and be able to perform manual labor, especially when it comes to lifting and carrying bags of flour and other ingredients. As the demand for baked goods continues to grow, the industry will expand. Currently, there are over 500,000 bakers in the United States. The profession is expected to grow about eight percent over the next ten years.
Most bakers are hired in restaurants and cake shops, though some have the opportunity to work in commercial and manufacturing facilities. A few bakers also attend technical or culinary schools to learn more about the culinary arts and nutrition.