Cake decorator

In this job, you'll:

• talk with customers about their requirements
• produce sketches for designs and decorations to show customers
• give estimates for costs and time
• bake cakes to order
• add icing, chocolate, decorations and messages
• wrap finished cakes ready for delivery
• clean work areas and equipment
• check stock levels and buy ingredients
• promote the business
• keep accounts up to date

• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of food production methods
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• maths knowledge
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need a food hygiene certificate, depending on where you work.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

With experience, you could start your own business. You could also work in quality control in a bakery, or teach cake design in adult education centres or at college.

With a good reputation, you may be able to move into designing and making cakes for high profile weddings and special events, where salaries can be much higher.