Baking is a method of preparing food using dry heat, usually in an oven, but it can also be done on hot stones or in hot ashes. The most common type of baked item is bread, though many items can be baked. Heat is gradually transferred from surface of breads, cakes, cookies to their centre. As heat travels through, it transforms the batter and the dough into baked goods which have a firm dry crust and a softer centre.
The art of baking has been an important skill in the field of nutrition. Bread is the most common baked food available. A person who prepares baked goods as a profession is usually known as a baker. In addition to bread, the method of baking is used to prepare cakes, cookies, pastries, pies, tarts, crackers, scones, pretzels and many more. These popular items are known to be called as baked goods collectively and these are often sold in bakery which is a store that usually only carries baked goods.
Baker is responsible for experimenting and preparing with dishes, baking foods, measuring and decorating ingredients. Some major tasks performed by a baker are checking the quantity and quality of ingredients, maintaining and cleaning baking equipment, training and supervising other workers, preparing a budget for supplies and purchases. There is a demand for bakers in retail stores, bakeries and restaurants. Apart from that, a baker can start their own bakery. Candidates interested in baking and cooking can pursue this as a career. They can also work as a part time at any bakery or a restaurant.
HOW TO PURSUE IT AS A CAREER?
Step 1: work as a trainee or beginner
Before becoming a professional baker, candidates must acquire experience. It’s a good idea to learn how to use equipments such as blender and mixers as they are tend to be used a lot. While working as a trainee, aspiring bakers should take note of proper food handling methods. Candidates can take a sanitation course, which can be plus point when seeking certification.
Step 2: Learn to operate a business
Some candidates choose to open their own baking businesses as home bakers, etc. Some institutes offer associate degree programs in small business or entrepreneurship that teach students to operate their own businesses. Aspiring bakers also need to know how to manage inventory and keep track of finances.
Step 3: Earn certification
It is not compulsory, but it can help bakers stand out from the growing competition. Bakers should keep on top of certification and move up to next level after fulfilling the minimum requirements in order to showcase their advance skills.
Step 4: Acquire additional experience
The primary way to move up and advance as a baker is to gain enough work experience; as baking is a skill, it can only be improved with maximum experience. Many candidates start off as baker assistants and progress as they learn the techniques and skills required to manage a bakery or create a high quality products.
ELIGIBILITY TO BECOME A BAKER
Candidates should satisfy the minimum qualification as given below:-
Education:
There is no particular degree for becoming a baker, but there are certificate and associate degrees available. The eligibility of a baker depends on type of industry they will be working for. Usually Companies hire bakers who have completed Bachelors and Masters Degree. A candidate with a diploma certificate in relevant field are also eligible. There are some programmes which generally last for 1-2 years that usually covers nutrition, food safety and basic maths.
Experience:
A minimum experience of 4-8 years are required for professional bakers.
Skills:
Good time management
Interest in culinary art
Numeracy skills
Creativity
Presentation
Good scratch baking skills
Good communication skills
Teamwork
TOP INSTITUTES TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A BAKER
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering, and Nutrition, Lucknow
- National Council for Hotel Management and Catering
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Technology.
- Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata
- Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai
- St Mary’s College, Bangalore
- Institute of Hotel Management, Ahmedabad
- Institute of Hotel Management Catering, technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, Shimla
SOME RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Many books are available to pursue the profession of baking. Some of them are:-
- Professional cake decorating – Toba M. Garret
- Professional baking – Wayne Gisslen
- The advanced art of baking and pastry – R. Andrew Chlebana
- Baking and pastry – The Culinary Institute of America(CIA)
- Professional bread baking – Hans Welker
- The advanced professional pastry – Bo Friberg
- About professional baking – Gail D Sokol
- Professional cake baking and decoration – Rebecca Sharp
TYPES OF JOB ROLES FOR BAKERS
Some of the job roles are as follows:-
- Artisan Baker
- Commis Baker
- Head Baker
- Bread Baker
- Pastry Chef
- Cake Baker and Decorator
- Executive Pastry chef
- Assistant Baker
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR BAKER/ JOB PROSPECTS
The major sectors of employment for bakers are given below:-
- Caterers
- Canteen
- Large baked goods manufacturers
- Airline caterers
- Retail bakeries
- Specialist bakeries
- Institutional food service providers
- Restaurants
TOP RECRUITERS
- The Taj Group Of Hotels
- Hyatt Hotels
- Marriott International, Inc
- The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
- Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group
Baking is a passion, pursue it. Enjoy the process, HAPPY BAKING!
By SALONI SANTOSH NEVGI
