Baking and Pastry Arts

Baking and Pastry Arts programs prepare students for quick entry into the industry in a variety of positions: baking/pastry assistant, area pastry chef and assistant pastry chef, among others. With experience, graduates can advance from entry-level positions to pastry chef, cake designer or bakery manager.

Employment opportunities include restaurants, hotels, independent bakeries and pastry shops, wholesale and retail markets and high-volume bakeries. The programs also provide students with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.

Daytime and evening classes are available to accommodate busy schedules. Certificate and diploma options also are available and can be completed in less time.

Culinary Arts

Hospitality Management

Baking program

Baking Degree classes are held at the Wake Tech Baking Kitchens
6750 Perry Creek Road, Raleigh
1:12 chef-to-student ratio
Baking classes are scheduled for eight-week "mini-mesters."

Upcoming information sessions

Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4, 6 p.m.

Information sessions are in-person at Scott Northern Wake Campus, Building K, Room 155, and last about an hour.

For more information, contact Chef Caralyn House at [email protected] or 919-532-5969.

Accreditation and industry-recognized certification

Wake Tech's Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation ACF). Graduates of ACF-accredited post-secondary degree or certificate/diploma programs are eligible to receive a Certified Culinarian^® or Certified Pastry Cook certification without paying any fees or taking any separate exams. Graduates must provide a final transcript verifying graduation and documentation of ACF membership. Certificate/diploma graduates must also document one year of entry-level work experience to receive certification. Application and documentation must be submitted within one year of graduation.

News story: Students Wow Judges at Elite ACF Competition

Professional association membership

As a student in Baking and Pastry Arts, you have the option of becoming a junior member of the North Carolina chapter of ACF, the largest professional association of chefs in the nation. As a paid junior member, you automatically receive certification upon graduation. Regardless of your membership status, however, you are welcome to attend monthly meetings. Check the chapter website for more information. For questions about the ACF or Triangle Chefs Association, contact Jeff Hadley.