Choosing the right career path at the right time is the most important decision that can lead to happiness and success in your profession. As humans, we frequently become confused about our career choices during the selection process and end up choosing the inaccurate domain.
Traditionally, we have been introduced to major courses that have been around for a long time. However, as the modern era has progressed, various other courses have gained unprecedented traction among students. In fact, owing to the transformation, one such career path that has piqued everyone's interest is the bakery course, and as the industry grows, more and more people are interested in it. According to Expert Market Research, the Indian bakery market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% to reach a value of $17.44 billion from 2023 to 2028.
Baking is considered to be an art. So if you are passionate about baking and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, a career as a baker can be the right choice for you. Furthermore, becoming a professional baker can be both an exciting and rewarding career path. So let's delve into the details of what it takes to become a professional baker.
Career as a Professional Baker: Educational Qualification
Completing an educational qualification is the first step towards becoming a professional baker. Many companies in the baking industry prefer to hire candidates who have formal training in baking or pastry arts. Formal education can assist aspiring bakers in developing the skills and knowledge required to set foot and succeed in the industry. Baking and pastry arts diploma and degree programmes are available at many pastry & culinary institutes.
By opting for the educational qualification from the renowned institute you can hone your knowledge in food safety and sanitation, baking techniques and methods, ingredient identification and selection, recipe development, and menu planning.
Career as a Professional Baker: Required Skills
You should have certain skills and qualities in addition to formal education and training. Given this, baking necessitates precise measurements, techniques, and timing, and even minor errors can ruin a recipe. You as an aspiring baker must be able to communicate effectively and create new and innovative flavors, designs, and presentations to set yourself apart from the competition.
Furthermore, if you want to be an expert, time management is essential. Last but not least, excellent physical stamina is also required because baking is a physically demanding job that needs long periods of standing.
Career as a Professional Baker: On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are the other ways followed by a few to become a professional baker. Many hotels and bakeries provide apprenticeship programs, allowing you to learn on the job while earning a salary. Furthermore, working as an assistant allows you to network with other experts in the industry, which may help you land a job later in your career.
Moreover, apprenticeships are typically two to four years long and include hands-on training in baking techniques, equipment operation, recipe development, and customer service hence it helps with developing the necessary skill set.
Career as a Professional Baker: Certification
Opting for specialization certifications can help you advance in your career. There are numerous prestigious academies that use cutting-edge technology and tailored courses to teach the art, science, and techniques of creating good food, as well as the methods that are required to excel in the food industry.
If you want to become a professional baker, opting for schools that offer certification programs can become the cherry on the top, which further allows you to pursue your culinary interests while keeping your professional or personal obligations.
Career as a Professional Baker: Job Prospect
In the modern day, the baking industry has emerged as a successful career prospect for new-age aspirants if they want to become skilled bakers. Like every other profession, it also offers various opportunities for aspirants and follows a hierarchical structure that one needs to follow to become a professional baker. As a result, if the baking industry entices you then the above-mentioned steps can help you in becoming a professional baker.
In addition, becoming a professional baker can be a rewarding career choice for you if you are passionate about baking and have the desire to create delicious baked goods. Aspiring bakers can succeed in the industry and have a fulfilling career with the right education, training, skills, and qualities.