Professional Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma

Overview

What to expect

• Sixteen months of full-time study over four terms with a four-month break between Terms 2 and 3.
• Classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday a.m. or p.m. (schedule is predetermined based on start date); 25 hours/week. Each day students will spend approximately 5 hours learning in the baking lab and 1.25 hours learning baking theory in the classroom. 
• Textbooks and baking tools must be purchased on day 1 or 2 of the program (available at the VCC Bookstore)
• Mandatory closed-top, non-slip footwear
• Technical skills taught in a fully operational kitchen environment
• Instruction based on an experiential and interactive model
• Instructor-led demonstrations
• Classroom theory lectures and facilitated discussions.
• Problem-solving
• Active participation
• Self-directed learning
• Four-week unpaid industry work experience
• Opportunity to take exams for STBC Levels 1, 2, and 3 certification

What you will learn

• Apply advanced skills and knowledge to the production of a variety of basic to advanced breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, cookies, decorations, chocolates, and confections in a professional baking environment.
• Evaluate basic to advanced breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, cookies, decorations, chocolates, and confections for consistency and accuracy in yield, flavour, texture, and overall appearance according to product specifications and standards.
• Identify and describe the principles of nutrition relating to basic to advanced breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, cookies, decorations, chocolates, and confections.
• Adhere to industry health, safety and employment standards in the preparation, handling, and storage of food and equipment used in the production of basic to advanced breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, cookies, decorations, chocolates, and confections.
• Apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success and continued advancement in professional baking and pastry arts.
• Reflect on their practice to further develop the professional skills needed to advance in the professional baking and pastry industry.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

The program is 64 weeks. Students must complete the credential within 5 years.

Students who successfully complete this credential and the required work based training hours will be eligible to write the interprovincial Baker Red Seal exam. 

Admission requirements

Program-specific

• Composition 10 or equivalent

• ​Workplace Math 10 or equivalent

• Valid BC FoodSafe Level 1 Certificate or equivalent (certification must remain valid for the duration of the program)

Recommended characteristics

• Physical condition and stamina to meet the demands of the program

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Responsible 

• Self-motivated 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Good personal hygiene 

• Interest in baking and pastry arts

• Creativity is an asset

• Applicants should be able to physically handle all wheat, dairy, egg, and nut products and all associated by-products required to meet the program outcomes. Any other known food allergies must be disclosed.

• The Professional Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma Program has been designed to strengthen and encourage interpersonal skills and a team approach to course work. Students work with fellow students, members of the college community, baking and pastry employers and their workers, and the public. Students must have a mindset and the desire to work effectively in a team and in an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Program availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and costs

How to apply

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca