TAFE Queensland
1 year
Launch your baking career with hands-on training in bread, pastry, and cake making. This practical Certificate III equips you with industry skills to work as a retail baker or pastry chef in commercial baking environments.
You should have basic English, Maths, and digital technology skills at Level 3. A reliable internet connection and computer with Microsoft Office are recommended to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect. For apprenticeship pathways, you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer. You'll need to purchase bakery uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), with an approximate total cost of $150.
The course covers comprehensive baking competencies across 13 core units and multiple electives. Core units include food safety procedures, numerical applications, and food preparation equipment operation. You'll master laminated and non-laminated pastry production, basic and specialty bread products including organic, gluten-free, and whole grain varieties, sponge cakes, biscuits, cookies, and puddings. Additional core competencies cover sweet yeast products, bakery production scheduling, artisan products, and workplace health and safety. Elective units allow specialization in meringue products, dietary and cultural considerations for food production, retail customer service, and coaching others in job skills.
TAFE Queensland offers state-of-the-art baking training facilities where you learn from world-class bakers using contemporary techniques and global baking trends. As a leading registered training organization, TAFE provides flexible study options across multiple Queensland campuses, recognized qualifications, and strong industry connections. The institution supports young Queenslanders up to age 25 with fully subsidized apprenticeships and offers pathways to further university study.
Graduates can pursue careers as retail bakers, pastry chefs, patrycooks, and pastry sous chefs in commercial bakeries, hotels, restaurants, and food production facilities. With strong industry demand—over 32,000 bakers and pastrycooks employed in Australia and 10,000-25,000 job openings expected over five years—you'll have excellent employment prospects. The qualification also provides a foundation for advancing to specialized baking roles, supervisory positions, or further study in hospitality and food production.
