Hot Tip -- by Richard Young

A baker is someone who mixes ingredients and makes dough to prepare breads, cakes, pastries and other baked goods.

In Alberta there are three options available for persons wishing to work as a baker. They must either be a registered apprentice or qualified journeyman, be able to prove to an employer that they have the skills and knowledge of a certified journeyman or be self-employed.

Bakers are paid to weigh, measure and mix ingredients to make dough, batters and fillings. These are then cut, formed, mixed and deposited. Bakers prepare production schedules, purchase stock, and operate ovens and production machinery. These are just some of the duties a baker is paid to do. But, what kind of a person makes a good baker?

I talked to Michael Tynan, plant manager of Watson Pies, and asked him what they look for in an employee. Michael said while it is preferable to hire an employee who possesses all of the core competencies they are looking for, it is by no means the deciding factor in the hiring process. Michael went on to explain that it is the soft skills that really sell an employee to an employer.

He said the "right person" could be trained to fulfill required duties. When asked to explain what that "right person" looks like, Michael stated he looks for someone who takes direction well, someone with a positive attitude and good hygiene who is also willing to learn. Michael likes to hire people who are not afraid to ask questions and who get along well with co-workers. He likes to hire people who are willing to invest time into their future, people looking for a career in the pie business, not just a job.

If you are looking to make a career in the pie business and you don't have the hard skills necessary to sell yourself, impress the employer with your soft skills.

(Richard Young is a career advisor at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)