Cake decorator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You can take a course at a college. For example:

• Level 2 Certificate in Sugarcraft
• Level 2 Certificate in Professional Cake Decoration
• Level 3 Diploma in General Patisserie and Confectionary

Some colleges and adult learning centres run hobby courses in cake decorating, where you can pick up useful skills and techniques.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start as an assistant in a bakery or patisserie and do training on the job.

DirectApplication

You could apply for jobs if you've got the right level of skills, for instance from decorating cakes for special occasions for family and friends.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of food production methods
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• maths knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to learn through your work
• leadership skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Cake decorators design, make and decorate cakes for birthdays, weddings and other special occasions.

In this job, you'll:

• talk with customers about their requirements
• produce sketches for designs and decorations to show customers
• give estimates for costs and time
• bake cakes to order
• add icing, chocolate, decorations and messages
• wrap finished cakes ready for delivery
• clean work areas and equipment
• check stock levels and buy ingredients
• promote the business
• keep accounts up to date

Location : You could work from home or at a store.
Environment : Your working environment may be dusty and cool.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £12,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could start your own business. You could also work in quality control in a bakery, or teach cake design in adult education centres or at college.

With a good reputation, you may be able to move into designing and making cakes for high profile weddings and special events, where salaries can be much higher.