Ranjan K Baruah
We often buy baked products from different bakeries. Different eatables are available in bakeries which are baked by people who are expert in it. Baking, one of the oldest professions in the world is a very dynamic and innovative culinary technique used for making bread and confectioneries. I still remember about my school days and the bakery that was in our school. One may recall the tempting smell when we are passed by any bakery. Baking is the process of cooking food through dry heat which is usually done in an oven, hot ashes or hot stones. But with the changes of time there have been some changes and new innovations have come into the fields of baking.
It is a profession which combines both art and science and creativity. Baking is a career that demands lots of creativity, commitment and passion for food. Some might become experts in baking without much qualification. Experiences might make someone experts in the long run but it is always advisable to undergo some of the courses / training programmes to become successful in this field. For skilled bakers, there are lots of options to travel overseas and earn money.
To excel in the field of baking and to enhance skills, one can enroll for any bakery and confectionery course offered by various hotel management institutes located across the country. These institutes offer certificate, diploma and degree courses specializing in food and beverages. Admission to the 3 year hotel management degree program in any recognised Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in the country is through Entrance Examination. One can also make a career in the baking field by joining short term certificate or diploma courses in bakery and confectionary. The duration of these courses may vary from 4 to 6 months and students who have completed their class 10th/12th with good grades are eligible. There are institutes under skill development which conduct short term free courses for 10th or 12th pass students. Many vocational institutes offer courses at a subsidized rate or free of cost. Some of the courses are Advance Certificate Course in Bakery and Confectionery, Advance Diploma in Culinary Arts and Patisserie Studies, Certificate Course in Bakery and Confectionery, Certificate Course in Food Production and Patisserie, Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery, etc.
Apart from training, a baker should have a love and passion for food. One may not get a good job or highly paid salaried job just after finishing any training, so one needs to have patience and gather experiences. Good communication skills are always an advantage for those who want to excel in the baking profession. One must be creative and have ideas to critically understand the taste and choice of the customers. Some of the terms related to these professions are bread chef, cake stylists, patisserie / dessert specialist, artisan bread specialist, confectionery baker, institutional and cafeteria baker, etc.
The job openings for a baker range from hotels, restaurants, caterers, supermarkets, bakeries to grocery stores and baking manufacturing companies. Aspirants may also try to have their own openings by becoming entrepreneurs in this field. Industrial bakers produce goods with high-volume mixing machines, ovens and other equipment. There are opportunities for the young people of the North Eastern region to excel through this career.
(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor and skill trainer and can be reached at email at bkranjan@gmail.com).
