Additional Information
If you see a future for yourself in baking, there's no time like the present
to start your training.
"Baking at home is a terrific way to become a better baker. The more you
bake, the more you develop a sense for how batters, pastries and dough should
look and feel," says baker Elizabeth Mitchell.
Working at home can help get you familiar with baking techniques, but nothing
can train you for being a baker like working in a bakery. An entry-level position
as a baker's assistant, food service person or clerk may be just the kind
of experience you need to tell if this field is right for you.
"It's one thing to be able to make nice pastry, but it's quite another
to be able to make mass quantities of pastry at 5 a.m. in the morning in a
hot kitchen with 10 other people," says baker Melissa Thomas.
In the past, most bakers were trained on the job. Today, the best jobs
go to people with specialized training in the form of an apprenticeship or
other baking education.
"It's logical that such a high priority should be placed on proper training,"
says baker Justin Bloom. "This is a very complex trade and one should give
oneself the opportunity to learn it properly with an experienced teacher."
There are about 800 schools in North America that offer education in baking
and related culinary arts. Some are two- and four-year degree programs, while
others are shorter, more hands-on courses in the methods and practices of
baking.