Growth in the number of bakeries, cafes, restaurants and in-store supermarket bakeries continues to drive demand for bakers in New Zealand and around the world.

For specific information on the training options in New Zealand please see Training Options

https://nzil.co.nz/the-employers-guide-to-recruiting-offshore-staff/

What do bakers do?

  •  Prepare, bake and decorate cakes, bread, pastry, biscuits and other products
  • Some specialise in one area such as patisserie, cake decoration, artisan breads, confectionery
  • Craft bakers own or work in bakeries, patisseries, cafes, restaurants and hotels
  • Others specialise in wholesale baking supplying pies, breads, cakes, pastries and specialised baked goods to shops, restaurants, cafes, hotels, canteens and airlines

A Baking qualification opens many and varied career pathways. People who gain a baking qualification may work as bakers and pastry chefs, but they may also go on to work in related industries and become food researchers, test bakery technicians, food stylists, specialists technical advisors, product managers, teachers and tutors, sales representatives, merchandisers, plants supervisors, sales consultants or hospitality managers.

How do I know the if baking is the right career for me?

It’s important to choose a career path that matches both your skills and your interests. If some of the following sound like you, baking may be a good career for you.

  • You are a “foodie” and have a real interest in baking, cooking and food in general.
  • You have an eye for detail
  • You have an interest in and aptitude for Maths, English, Science of Technology
  • You are practical and accurate, can follow directions and pay attention to detail
  • You want a career that is in demand and has a variety of jobs available
  • You appreciate the aesthetic side of life – creating beautiful products appeals to you
  • Your friends think you are creative and you like the idea of following and creating recipes
  • You enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and are good with your hands
  • You are able to work as part of a team and on your own
  • You are open to preparing orders and serving customers
  • You get a sense of satisfaction from making or doing things for others
  • You want a qualification that will enable you to travel, live and work anywhere in the world

There is a an ongoing shortage of qualified bakers in New Zealand, and many jobs available in the baking industry for qualified bakers. There are a number of ways to become a baker, including full time training and apprenticeships. The training providers listed below all offer training towards a Baking qualification. For more details of the courses and opportunities they offer please contact the training providers directly.