Some people employed in the industry have no qualifications at all and have simply trained on the job. But remember: the more qualifications you have, the better paid you will be and the more opportunities you will have.
Full-time study
Full-time courses generally cover bakery safety, food hygiene, first aid, biscuits and small goods, pastry baking, bread baking, cake baking, cake decorating, baking for the catering industry, patisserie, confectionery and craft baking production.
The following are providers who offer full-time courses:
Ara Institute of Canterbury offers the New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Generalist) which is a full-time programme studied over one year. For more information visit ara.ac.nz or phone 0800 24 24 76 or email info@ara.ac.nz.
The Manukau Institute of Technology offers a full-time course leading to a National Certificate in Baking (Level 4) as well as International and New Zealand Diplomas in Baking. For more information visit their website, www.manukau.ac.nz or phone 0800 62 62 52 or email enquiries@manukau.ac.nz
AUT University offers a 1 year programme which leads to a Certificate or a 2 year full-term course to gain a Diploma in Patisserie. Visit www.aut.ac.nz or phone 09 921 9999 for further details.
On Job learning
Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for Baking in NZ. They provide on job training solutions for the baking Industry in the form of short course learning or workplace Baking apprenticeships. Learn as you earn, no student debt and all units are registered with NZQA. New Zealand Certificate in Trade baking (Craft or Plant) with e learning options. To get your career started contact Competenz on 0800 526 1800 or visit competenz.org.nz