Baking and Pastry Arts: Certificate  (1321)

If you love the art and science of creating a beautiful cake or pastry, a career in the baking and pastry arts could be the perfect fit for you. If you are interested in the little details that result in the tastiest breads and desserts, our Baking and Pastry Arts certificate can give you the foundation you need to succeed in this industry.  

After completing our curriculum and receiving your certificate, we can help you prepare for a rewarding, baking-related career.

 

What can I do with this in the workforce?  

When you graduate from our Baking and Pastry Arts certificate, you will be ready to find employment in retail or wholesale as a baker, pastry chef or assistant.

Being a baker also requires certain traits. The profession might be a good fit for you if you are:

• Able to work long hours, typically in the early morning
• Hardworking and willing to put the work in to hone your craft
• Creative with a passion for the culinary arts

 

What is the average salary?

Explore YOUR career with Career Coach! Career Coach is a helpful tool that will assist you in developing a path from your education to the job market. With Career Coach, you can find:

• Average hourly wages
• Information about possible careers of interest through a variety of search options
• What occupations are in demand within the region you select
• The number of individuals currently employed within that occupation
• The anticipated number of job openings available — just to name a few! 

Begin exploring your options now!

 

What is HACC’s program like?

By earning your Baking and Pastry Arts certificate from HACC, you will be ready to become a professional baker or pastry chef. Watch this video for a glimpse into HACC’s culinary programs.

Throughout the program, you will prepare and produce cakes, pies and other baked goods. You will have the opportunity to work with doughs, icings and other pastry-making ingredients. 

Not only will you get specific training in pastry making, but you will also learn the fundamentals:

• Baking principles
• Sanitation
• Small business management
• Visual merchandising

As you complete our certificate, you will: 

• Use mathematical techniques to make accurate adjustments in bakeshop formulas and percentages
• Apply industry sanitation and safety procedures
• Follow the correct procedures and successfully  prepare quick breads, cookies, brownies,  pies and tarts and yeast doughs, including lean, enriched and laminated
• Follow the correct procedures and successfully  prepare custards and curds, meringues, cakes and frostings, mousses and Bavarians, chocolate confections, sugar candies, frozen desserts,  and decorating procedures with icings, fondant, gum paste and marzipan
• Exhibit management skills in professionalism, employee relations, food purchasing, inventory, and cost analysis
• Analyze nutritional values in recipes and adjust ingredients based on specific dietary concerns

Federal regulations require the College to disclose specific gainful employment information about this program. This link will provide you with information on completion rates and placement, program costs and median loan debt.

 

What classes will I take?

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

• Browse our advising checksheet (pdf), which is also an excellent tool to help you personalize your course load each term and manage your overall advancement through our programs.

 

Can I transfer my credits to a four-year college or university?

Our certificate is designed to lead you directly into the workforce. However, if you wish to continue your education, we encourage you to earn an associate degree at HACC!

When you complete your associate degree, you can continue and transfer credits to a four-year school.

 

Where can I complete this program?

You can complete the entire program at our Harrisburg Campus.

 

Does HACC offer scholarships?

Yes! Thanks to the HACC Foundation, there are 200 scholarship opportunities available. To learn more about how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/scholarships.

 

When can I apply?

Conveniently YOURS, we offer classes in the spring, summer and fall. You can apply anytime. Visit our website and submit your application, along with program code 1321. By using this code, you will ensure you apply to the correct one.

 

How can I learn more?

If your passion is baking, we want to help you turn that passion into a rewarding career. Helpfully YOURS, we’ll support you with innovative instructions that teach the fundamentals you need.

Please contact an admissions counselor or Jason Nielsen, interim department chair, to learn more about the program. You may also request more information today. We want to see YOU succeed.