Bakers work in bakeries, patisseries, cake shops, bread shops, hotels, restaurants, cafeterias and factories. They may also work in the bakery department of supermarkets or on cruise ships.

Conditions may be hot and noisy, and as bakers work to strict deadlines, conditions may also be stressful.

Equipment bakers may use includes:

• mixing, measuring and baking equipment
• protective clothing such as hats and aprons
• cake decorating equipment.

Bakers usually work in shifts and may work early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Bakers usually work as part of a team, but can work independently when baking particular items. They may supervise assistants and teach apprentices and trainees. They may also serve customers.