- Complete an apprenticeship/education program as outlined by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and successfully write the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Exam OR if you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification – you will still be required to write.
- Programs participating in the Red Seal program are recognized as having met industry standards of excellence; students who have completed formal education or apprenticeships in a skilled trade can earn a Red Seal endorsement after completing a national Red Seal examination in their field and their credentials are portable across Canada.
- The Red Seal Program is recognized as the interprovincial standard of excellence in the skilled trades.The program was established more than 50 years ago to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers.
- A successful example of this is the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program itself. Essential to the establishment of standards is the development of suitable training systems and programs which enable tradespeople to acquire certification based on these standards.
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Contents
Bakers (NOC 6332) may also be called:
The Red Seal Program is a body that sets the standards of excellence in skilled trades across the provinces. They offer training/apprenticeship programs ranging from Carpentry to Electrician and Crane Operators to name a few. I was able to contact Red Seal, who were happy to answer a few questions about new immigrants with trades’ backgrounds.
- Pastry Chef / Pastry Maker
- Cake Decorator
- Bread Baker
What Would I Do?
Bakers make bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments. Depending on the size and type of bakery, you may do a wide variety of tasks including:
- 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
Some bakers make all kinds of baked goods, while others concentrate on just one type, such as bread or pastry.
More information:
- WorkBC Career Profile for Bakers
- Career Cruising (profile for Baker)
Am I Suited For This Job?
Bakers should be:
- creative, detail oriented
- enjoy working with their hands
Bakers should have:
- artistic ability
- sanitary work habits
- physical strength and stamina
- math skills
Employees work shifts and may work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. 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. You must make sure quality is maintained and safety and sanitation guidelines are followed.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile for Bakers and Career Cruising database (Profile for Baker)
What Are The Wages And Benefits?
In British Columbia, the annual median salary is $30,241. Your wage depends on experience, skill level, type of bakery and region of the province.
In BC’s regions, you can expect to make:
Table from Job Bank Wage Report
Bakers employed in large operations and in-store bakeries may need to join a union. Union leaders negotiate the wages and benefits on your behalf.
Full-time bakers generally get benefits on top of their salaries. Benefits may include paid vacation, sick leave, and dental coverage. Some employers will contribute to a retirement plan.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile for Bakers and Career Cruising database (Profile for Baker).
What Is The Job Outlook In BC?
The job outlook for bakers is influenced by British Columbia’s growing population and strong tourism industry. Consumer tastes are also changing, showing a greater preference for healthy, high-end products and specialty baked goods.
These trends have created a demand for skilled bakers, particularly those with trade certification.
Employment Outlook Bakers
Source: WorkBC Career Profile for Bakers
How Do I Become a Baker?
Bakers “usually” require:
- completion of high school
- completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program
or - a college program in baking
In some cases on-the-job training may be provided instead of formal education.
In British Columbia, trade certification for bakers is available, although not mandatory.
To receive a Certificate of Qualification as a baker, you can either:
- complete an apprenticeship/education program as outlined by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and successfully write the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Exam
OR
- if you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification – you will still be required to write the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Exam
For more information about apprenticeship programs, certification and how to challenge the certification process, see:
Red Seal Program Canada Free Download Programs Free Software
How Do I Find A Job?
Where do Bakers Work?
Bakers work in a variety of food-related businesses. Most are employed in retail settings such as:
- supermarkets
- specialty bakeries
- restaurants
- hotels
Finding Advertised Jobs
Jobs are advertised in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and online job sites.
Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in The Province on Sundays.
Job White Pages
- JOB Freeway.com
Access at VPL locations only
Online Job Postings
- Indeed.com Bakery Jobs in Vancouver
- Indeed.com
- BC JobConnect
**must have permanent resident number**
newcomers can post their skills, education and work experience to BC employers looking for workers
Finding “Hidden Jobs”
Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below help you with finding jobs in this “hidden” job market.
Using Directories to Create a List of Potential Employers
You can use company directories to produce lists of employers who employ bakers in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.
- Tourism Companies. Go2HR
Under ‘Sector’ choose ‘Food & Beverage Services’
- Directory of Retail Chains in Canada
Includes contact information for large supermarkets in BC.
Available at the Central Library Level 4. C380 D5983
- Reference Canada
Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
In the top search box enter “bakers” and click SEARCH.
Select the appropriate headings.
Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “VIEW RESULTS” button.
NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).
Networking, Volunteering and Temporary Agencies
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Many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.
Networking and the Hidden Job Market:
When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. They may know someone who is hiring! Working as a volunteer, attending events, and joining clubs and associations are good ways to gain “Canadian experience.” They are also good ways to meet people to learn about the local job market.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer BC
- GoVolunteer.ca/
For additional tips see:
Applying for a Job
In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume and a cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your relevant experience.
Use the library catalogue to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry.
For more information see:
Where Can This Job Lead?
Individuals may start in this occupation as production assistants or assistants to bakers. These workers may then advance to an apprentice baker position.
With completion of apprenticeship, sufficient experience and training, it is possible for workers to progress to baking executive/supervisor. Experienced bakers may also start their own businesses.
Where Can I Find More Information?
- Canadian Culinary Federation
- Bakers Journal