Pastry Chef
On this page
- What's it like to be a Pastry Chef?
- How to become a Pastry Chef
- Latest Pastry Chef jobs
- Top skills and experience for Pastry Chefs
- Pastry Chef role reviews
What's it like to be a Pastry Chef?
Pastry Chefs are Chefs who specialise in the making of baked goods and similar foods, such as cakes, desserts, breads, and viennoiseries (like croissants). They may work in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, and other settings where pastries and desserts are served and sold. Pastry Chefs must know the techniques required to make a range of pastries and related items, and they need to be creative, have an eye for detail, and be able to prepare goods that look as good as they taste.
Tasks and duties
- Preparing and shaping dough.
- Creating and testing new recipes.
- Decorating baked goods.
- Ordering ingredients and maintaining stock.
- Keeping a clean and safe work environment.
How to become a Pastry Chef
There are various pathways to becoming a Pastry Chef. You can complete training to become a Baker or specialising in French patisserie.
Get on-the-job experience at a bakery, cake shop or related setting where baking and pastry-making take place.
Consider completing a New Zealand Certificate in Baking or Trade Baking (both Level 4), or an apprenticeship in trade baking. You usually need a job before applying for an apprenticeship.
Alternatively, you could specialise in pastry making by completing a Superior Patisserie Certificate (Level 4) or a Certificate in French Cuisine (Level 3).
