How to Become a Pastry Chef Assistant
Pastry chefs specialize in creating bakery goods, sweets and other culinary creations that fall under the pastry category. Pastry chef assistants help experienced bakers knead and mold dough; measure and blend ingredients; decorate cakes and pastries; and serve customers. They also handle administrative duties, such as cleaning and maintaining equipment and ordering store supplies. With adequate education, training and experience, pastry chef assistants can rise to full-time pastry chefs.
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Things You'll Need
- Certificate or associate degree in baking/pastry arts
- Internship/apprenticeship
Instructions
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Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program in baking and pastry arts. Make sure your program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (see Resources). Choose a curriculum that involves hands-on training in the kitchen and instruction by a certified master chef. Learn how to use baking tools and equipment, as well as how to prepare and mix pastry ingredients. Take courses in subjects such as safety and sanitation; accounting and inventory control; food storage procedures; patisserie and baking techniques; international pastries; and nutrition.
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Participate in an externship to apply and refine your skills in a real-world, business environment. Develop work experience in the bakery departments at hotels and restaurants. or in traditional bakeries. Shadow pastry chefs and learn how to handle and prepare plated desserts, international pastries, shop displays and decorative centerpieces.
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Consider doing a formal apprenticeship or professional training program managed through a union, training institute or professional associations such as the American Culinary federation. Serve as an apprentice for approximately two years, receiving classroom instruction and hands-on training. Train with pastry chefs to develop expertise in preparing and baking pastries.
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Transition to a full-time pastry chef assistant role following the completion of your apprenticeship or formal training program. Continue to take on more challenging tasks and larger baking projects to build your experience in the industry.
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Tips & Warnings
Similar to other sectors, professional certification can boost your credentials as an upcoming pastry chef. Consider obtaining professional designation with organizations such as the American Culinary Federation, which offers 14 levels of certification depending on candidate's experience and qualifications (see Resources).
Although culinary arts programs provide formal training for pastry chef careers, other individuals choose to acquire baking skills as chef helpers in industrial bakeries or restaurants. General helpers assist with basic tasks such as tending ovens, operating mixers and preparing dough. You can also apply as a trainee or mentee at a local bakery or restaurant that employs pastry chefs.
References
Resources
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