Pastry chefs require artistry and practical bakery knowledge to create a variety of baked goods, including breads, pastries and desserts. They must work to high standards and have an eye for detail, as well as being able to withstand the pressures of a fast-paced working environment.
Duties may include planning menus, preparing ingredients, estimating food and labour costs and creating new recipes. The work may also involve consultation with clients requiring special catering arrangements, such as for weddings and banquets, so it is important to be able to communicate well and demonstrate good customer service skills.
Pastry chefs often start off in assistant positions to gain general experience and knowledge of the industry. Apprenticeships are also available, as are diploma courses at various culinary schools throughout Canada. Salaries start at around C
$18,500. With greater experience, earnings can rise to C
$50,000 over time, with the potential of earning up to C
$82,000 in the Vancouver area.