Bakers (NOC 6332)

Bakers make bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments.

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Source: WorkBC’s Career Trek

Bakers:

• make dough for pies, bread and rolls and sweet goods
• prepare batters for muffins, cookies, cakes, icings and frostings according to recipes or special customer orders
• run baking machinery such as high-volume mixing machines, ovens and other equipment to produce large quantities of baked goods
• bake mixed doughs and batters
• frost and decorate cakes or other baked goods
• make sure product quality meets established standards
• create production schedule to decide the type and quantity of goods to purchase
• purchase baking supplies
• may supervise sales of baked goods
• may hire, train and supervise baking and kitchen staff

Employees work shifts and may work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. While many bakers work as part of a team, they also may work alone when baking particular items.

Bakers often work with large mixers, ovens and other small-scale industrial equipment. They typically work in hot, steam-filled work areas and must be able to work safely to avoid accidents and injuries.

Bakers typically work under strict order deadlines and critical time-sensitive baking requirements, which can cause stress. Bakers must make sure quality is maintained and safety and sanitation guidelines are followed.

British Columbia's growing population and tourism industry will drive the demand for baked goods. Consumer tastes are also changing, showing a greater preference for healthy, high-end products and specialty baked goods.

These trends have resulted in the growth of smaller bakeries that offer organic products and meet specialty demands. Larger companies, such as supermarket chains and hotels, are responding to these demands by opting for on-site bakeries and fewer wholesale baked goods. These trends have created a demand for skilled bakers, particularly those with trade certification.