Bread Baker

As a Bread Baker, you’ll be at the forefront of creating a wide array of bread products, from rustic artisanal loaves to precisely crafted commercial goods. Your role combines time-honoured techniques with modern baking technology to produce consistent, high-quality bread that meets both customer expectations and industry standards.

You’ll work in a dynamic environment that demands both creativity and precision, often starting your day in the early hours to ensure fresh products are ready for customers. In this position, you’ll be responsible for every step of the bread-making process. This includes selecting and measuring ingredients, mixing and kneading dough, monitoring fermentation, shaping loaves, and baking to perfection. You’ll need to understand the science behind baking, including how different ingredients interact and how factors like temperature and humidity affect the final product.

Your keen sense of timing and attention to detail will be crucial in managing multiple batches at various stages of production. As a Bread Baker, you’ll also play a key role in maintaining quality control, ensuring food safety standards are met, and potentially developing new recipes or improving existing ones. You may work independently in a small artisanal bakery or as part of a larger team in a commercial setting. Either way, your passion for baking and commitment to quality will be essential in creating bread products that not only meet but exceed expectations.

In this role, you will:

1. Prepare a variety of dough using different recipes and techniques
2. Operate and maintain baking equipment such as mixers, ovens, and proofers
3. Monitor fermentation and proofing processes
4. Shape and score bread before baking
5. Control oven temperatures and baking times for optimal results

To be a successful bread baker you require a combination of experience and qualification. Many employers will advertise for an apprentice bread baker. Here are the steps to become an industrial baker:

1. Complete high school and undertake subjects like Hospitality Practices, Science and Mathematics
2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Baking (FBP20221) to gain foundation skills and knowledge
3. Pursue an apprenticeship through a Certificate III in Bread Baking (FBP30421) to gain hands-on experience and further skills in bread baking.
4. You can apply directly to an employer. Research potential employers in your area via search engines, social media, or job sites. Even if there are no jobs advertised, consider sending a cover letter with your resume to express your interest.