Demand for bakers is steadily increasing because of:
- changing food tastes
- growing demand for convenience food
- greater demand for nutritional and specialty foods such as gluten-free products.
There are also more bakery cafés, bakery franchises and supermarket bakeries because of increased consumer demand, which is increasing employment opportunities for bakers.
Census figures to 2006 show the gradual rise in the number of bakers in New Zealand.
Number of bakers in New Zealand (1996, 2001, 2006)| Census | Number of bakers |
|---|
| 1996 | 3,891 |
| 2001 | 4,146 |
| 2006 | 4,392 |
| Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool. |
Apprenticeship scheme aims to attract new generation of bakers
There has been a shortage of experienced bakers for a number of years. This is because the workforce is ageing, and not enough people are entering the job to replace retiring staff. There is also a trend for trained bakers to work overseas or, after gaining experience, run their own business.
Efforts have been made to attract more people into the occupation, including the introduction of an apprenticeship that is part of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. This has created more apprenticeship opportunities for people wanting to enter the job.
Bakers on the Government's immediate skills shortage list
Due to the demand for bakers, the Government is actively encouraging skilled bakers from overseas to apply for positions in New Zealand.
Most bakers work in bakery stores, bakery manufacturing companies, supermarkets and cafés and restaurants.
Nearly 40% of bakers work in bakery stores, referred to as "specialised food retailing".
Major industries employing bakers in New Zealand (2006)| Industry type | Percentage of bakers |
|---|
| Specialised food retailing | 37% |
| Bakery product manufacturing | 24% |
| Supermarket and grocery stores | 22% |
| Cafés and restaurants | 9% |
| Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool. |
Self-employment an option for bakers
Many bakers are self-employed, and they may run their own business or buy a franchise bakery store.
Bakers work throughout New Zealand. Most bakers work in the Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington regions, where demand is greatest because of population.
