Overview

Our ten-month Baking Foundations certificate program (13-months for international students) provides job skills to work in entry-level positions such as baker, pastry chef, patisserie, or bakery assistant. 

Bakers prepare bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments. They are employed in bakeries, supermarkets, catering companies, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions, or they may be self-employed.  

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Identify the workings and the effects of ingredients on one another and predict how the end product will be affected. 
  • Perform problem-solving and troubleshooting recipes. 
  • Perform basic techniques involved in the daily production of a bakery and pastry shop. 
  • Recognize and produce both classical and modern baked goods. 
  • Apply food safety principles and practices as identified by health regulations. 
  • Apply basic mathematical principles and recipe conversions, bakery formulations, and percentages. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of kitchen etiquette and professionalism. 
  • Apply proper sanitation and safety techniques while demonstrating proper safe work procedures on equipment 
  • Apply purchasing principles to the operation of a bakery, and/or pastry shop. 
  • Demonstrate baking theory and principles in the production of quality desserts. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of baking and pastry foundations. 
  • Practice skills used in the daily operation of a bakery, including cost controls, food costs, percentages, labour costs, and inventory controls. 

Examples of what bakers can do: 

  • Prepare dough for pies, bread, rolls and sweet goods, batters for muffins, cookies and cakes and icings and frostings according to recipes or special customer orders. 
  • Operate equipment. 
  • Bake mixed doughs and batters. 
  • Frost and decorate cakes or other baked goods. 
  • Ensure quality of products meets established standards. 
  • Draw up production schedule to determine type and quantity of goods to produce. 
  • Purchase baking supplies. 
  • May oversee sales and merchandising of baked goods. 
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified bakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. 

Success Factors 

You are a good fit for this program if you enjoy: 

  • Developing your baking skills to a professional level. 
  • Using your creativity, your keen sense of taste and smell, and a good aptitude for details. 
  • Precision work, including measurements, preparation and organization. 
  • A fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on team work, high quality production and customer service.  
  • A physically demanding work environment, with attention to detail, concentration and repetitive production work. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

  • Work hospitality industry hours, which can range from early morning to late in the evening and often include weekends and holidays. 
  • Have physical strength and stamina as well as the mobility and motor skills to undertake the required tasks. 
  • Handle stressful situations appropriately, including dealing with the public. 
  • Maintain a cooperative spirit while working in a hot, crowded environment. 
  • Groom and dress according to industry expectations.  
  • Develop good habits and discipline, arrive on time, in a clean uniform, ready to work. 

This is a 13-month program for international students as it includes 13 weeks of Baking Foundations preparatory courses. For domestic students, the program is 10 months long, beginning in September in Brandon only.

  • In Brandon, this program begins in May for international students and September for domestic students.
  • In Winnipeg, this program begins in November.

Admissions

  • Complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. IELTS  Academic score of 6.0 with no subscore less than 5.5 (or equivalent) is acceptable for this program.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program. 

Program Considerations

Program requirements include participating in live restaurant and event operations outside of the typical day schedule and include early mornings, evenings and weekend hours. Alcohol and a variety of culinary traditions are part of the program.

Important to Note:

All tuition and fees for this program are required to be paid in full before your program begins. Tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another program.

Day or evening classes are possible. Do not plan a job or other responsibilities until you receive your full schedule.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Patisseries
  • Bake shops
  • Hotel and restaurant dessert kitchens
  • Catering companies
  • Traditional kitchens
  • Pop-ups
  • Cake shops
  • Doughnut shops 

Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified bakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Connections

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit Assiniboine’s Articulation Agreements page.

 

Tools & Supplies

Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.

Program Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are expected to have a computer at home with internet access that meets the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students - Brandon only)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Baking Foundations 60 $5,553 $1,463 $240 $875

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International - Brandon)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Baking Foundations 82.5 $18,195 Included Included $1,000 $510

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Estimated Program Costs (International - Winnipeg)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Baking Foundations 82.5 $18,395 Included Included $1,000 $510

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

 

All tuition and fees are required to be paid in full before your program begins. Tuition and fees to this program are non-refundable and non-transferable. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Students may be required to purchase additional supplies for this program.

Courses

To graduate with a Baking Foundations certificate, international students must successfully complete 82.5 credits, as this includes 13 weeks of preparatory courses. Domestic students must successfully complete 60 credits to graduate. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Courses (Domestic)
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)

Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition.

0 credit(s) No No No
Bakeshop Management (COOK-0299)

Leadership and the management side of operating a bakeshop are honed in this course. Topics include bakeshop formula
mathematics, understanding weight and measurement, formula limitations, safety and sanitation, inventory control, selling price,
food and labor costs, and production schedules, ingredient theory, commodities, and bakeshop substitutions. These skills will form a foundation for “systems thinking” in a bakeshop setting.

6 credit(s) No No No
Baking Fundamentals (COOK-0296)

This course focuses on analysis of the cultural history of bakeshops and its relationship to contemporary operational practices and theories. It examines the historical background of the baking profession, as well as notable figures past and present. Professional requirements of the trade are highlighted throughout the course, with particular attention to safety regulations, industry practices, and maintenance of clean and orderly work conditions. While some ingredient theory is explored in this course, there is also focus on introduction to hand tools, specialty tools and large-scale bakery and kitchen equipment to form a foundation of knowledge for the context and observance of industry best-practice.

3 credit(s) No No No
Cakes and Specialty Tortes (COOK-0262)

Pre-requisite: COOK-0266 Pies, Pastry, Puff and Phyllo
Traditional and contemporary cake-making skills are explored in this course. In particular, this course explores different cake
formulae, mixing procedures, baking and cooling procedures, as well as icing and frosting. In addition to cake formulae, this
course also requires students to develop piping and presentation skills. This experience allows students to skillfully replicate and also create original cake-based products.

9 credit(s) No No No
Cookies and Squares (COOK-0263)

This course explores the world of cookies and squares. Students will examine ingredient theory, cookie styles, heat control, and finishing techniques. Cookie formulae, mixing methods, panning, and cooling procedures appropriate to cookies, squares, and biscuits are examined. Additionally, the course will briefly examine the role of petit fours in pastry menus.

3 credit(s) No No No
Doughs, Breads & Desserts (COOK-0297)

Dough knowledge and practical skills are expanded in this course. Many different yeast doughs that are commonly used in
contemporary bakeshops, and students are exposed to making and serving them. Additionally, scaling, water temperatures,
dough temperatures, ingredient theory & practice, and mixing methods are examined. Topics include: proper steps involved in
yeast dough production, various applications of standard and artisan breads, starters, toppings, and shapes, laminated doughs, fried yeast doughs, and fried batter products. Students develop dough skills, and strategize for managing efficient production.

9 credit(s) No No No
Fire Safety (WRKP-0021)

This awareness seminar is provided by the City of Brandon Fire Department. Participants learn to identify various fire types and understand their individual characteristics. Fire hazard identification and fire safety procedures are demonstrated in relation to food service operations. Participants learn the functions of a fire extinguisher, coupled with a practical learning exercise demonstrating proper handling and extinguishing techniques.

0 credit(s) No No No
FoodSafe 1 (COOK-0014)

This seminar, delivered by Manitoba Health, is a must for owners, managers, supervisors, chefs, cooks, and other personnel responsible for purchasing, handling, preparing and serving food. FoodSafe is a nationally-recognized seminar that addresses the relationship between microbiology and food-borne illness, safe food handling, personal hygiene habits, effective cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils, and measures to ensure a clean, safe food service operation. Participants who pass the examination receive a nationally-recognized certificate which is valid for five years.

0 credit(s) No No No
Frozen Desserts (COOK-0298)

Bakers need to understand the proper methods for preparing custard bases and syrups for the production of ice creams and ices. Topics include: making ice cream, sorbet, granite, and gelato, and mixing, portioning, and serving different frozen desserts.

3 credit(s) No No No
Modern Desserts and Plating (COOK-0265)

This class surveys important trends in the world of modern desserts and presentation techniques. A particular focus of this course is modern trends in desserts, trends in plating design, trends in menu design, and trends in service strategies. This course provides a platform for student creativity and individuality to shine, and be expressed through skills that were acquired throughout the
program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Pies, Pastry, Puff and Phyllo (COOK-0266)

Pre-requisite: COOK-0263 Cookies and Squares
Pastry skills are expanded and refined in this course. The focus are various types, formats, uses, and processes necessary to create pastry doughs. In particular, this course examines correct assemblage and baking of pies, common faults and problems in dough work, as well as dough handling and rolling techniques. Students will replicate pastry recipes as demonstrated by the Instructor, exploring common pastry problems and solutions as the course proceeds.

6 credit(s) No No No
Preserves and Jellies (COOK-0267)

The roles and implications of using fruit in bakeshop products are many and varied. This course examines uses of fruit in the
Bakeshop, with particular attention to preparation of preserves, jellies, jams, fruit spreads, fruit fillings, fruit sauces, and coulis.
Students will be required to replicate the preparations and methods of the Instructor. This will allow students to understand the roles of different fruit products, both when following recipes, and when developing new products.

3 credit(s) No No No
Quick Breads (COOK-0300)

Quick breads form the basis for one of the most important families of bakeshop recipes. This course examines basic quick breads including scones

6 credit(s) No No No
Special Baking Presentations (COOK-0269)

Confectionary skills are enhanced in this course. While this course examines chocolate, marzipan, pastillage, and nougatine, there will be an opportunity to make chocolates and a variety of decorations. Additionally, spun sugar, sugar cages, poured sugar and blown sugar pieces are examined. This will assist students in creating both original and à la carte sugar work.

3 credit(s) No No No
WHMIS 1 (HLTH-0047)

If you work in the proximity of hazardous materials, this awareness course is for you. As an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), this course covers safe work habits with hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and labelling of hazardous materials. This course is presented in a straightforward, non-technical manner.

0 credit(s) No No No
Workplace Essentials - Canada (HOSP-0037)

This course develops the students' understanding of the Canadian workplace to prepare help them for future employment. The students will learn about employability skills they have, and that employers are looking for, Manitoba Employment standards, human rights legislation, motivation in the workplace, effective communication at work, and perceptions in the workplace. Given that these students are newcomers to Canada, cultural diversity is also examined.

3 credit(s) No No No
Courses (International)
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)

Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition.

0 credit(s) No No No
Bakeshop Management (COOK-0299)

Leadership and the management side of operating a bakeshop are honed in this course. Topics include bakeshop formula
mathematics, understanding weight and measurement, formula limitations, safety and sanitation, inventory control, selling price,
food and labor costs, and production schedules, ingredient theory, commodities, and bakeshop substitutions. These skills will form a foundation for “systems thinking” in a bakeshop setting.

6 credit(s) No No No
Baking Fundamentals (COOK-0296)

This course focuses on analysis of the cultural history of bakeshops and its relationship to contemporary operational practices and theories. It examines the historical background of the baking profession, as well as notable figures past and present. Professional requirements of the trade are highlighted throughout the course, with particular attention to safety regulations, industry practices, and maintenance of clean and orderly work conditions. While some ingredient theory is explored in this course, there is also focus on introduction to hand tools, specialty tools and large-scale bakery and kitchen equipment to form a foundation of knowledge for the context and observance of industry best-practice.

3 credit(s) No No No
Cakes and Specialty Tortes (COOK-0262)

Pre-requisite: COOK-0266 Pies, Pastry, Puff and Phyllo
Traditional and contemporary cake-making skills are explored in this course. In particular, this course explores different cake
formulae, mixing procedures, baking and cooling procedures, as well as icing and frosting. In addition to cake formulae, this
course also requires students to develop piping and presentation skills. This experience allows students to skillfully replicate and also create original cake-based products.

9 credit(s) No No No
Cdn Intercultural Awareness (IAPP-0002)

This course is designed to assist international students to transition into, and succeed in, the diverse Canadian workplace. Cultural values and expectations in a professional environment are examined through a variety of methods. Students will explore the variety of cultures in Canada, including those of Indigeneous peoples. The possible effects of culture on the various roles and the scope of practice in their field of study are explored. Strategies to uccessfully begin a new job, to create effective working realtionships and to resolve conflict are discussed and practiced. Interpersonal and inter-professional communciation is reviewed. The importance of concepts such as non-verbal communicaton, personal and professional etiquette and working as
part of a team are emphasized. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Cookies and Squares (COOK-0263)

This course explores the world of cookies and squares. Students will examine ingredient theory, cookie styles, heat control, and finishing techniques. Cookie formulae, mixing methods, panning, and cooling procedures appropriate to cookies, squares, and biscuits are examined. Additionally, the course will briefly examine the role of petit fours in pastry menus.

3 credit(s) No No No
Doughs, Breads & Desserts (COOK-0297)

Dough knowledge and practical skills are expanded in this course. Many different yeast doughs that are commonly used in
contemporary bakeshops, and students are exposed to making and serving them. Additionally, scaling, water temperatures,
dough temperatures, ingredient theory & practice, and mixing methods are examined. Topics include: proper steps involved in
yeast dough production, various applications of standard and artisan breads, starters, toppings, and shapes, laminated doughs, fried yeast doughs, and fried batter products. Students develop dough skills, and strategize for managing efficient production.

9 credit(s) No No No
Fire Safety (WRKP-0021)

This awareness seminar is provided by the City of Brandon Fire Department. Participants learn to identify various fire types and understand their individual characteristics. Fire hazard identification and fire safety procedures are demonstrated in relation to food service operations. Participants learn the functions of a fire extinguisher, coupled with a practical learning exercise demonstrating proper handling and extinguishing techniques.

0 credit(s) No No No
FoodSafe 1 (COOK-0014)

This seminar, delivered by Manitoba Health, is a must for owners, managers, supervisors, chefs, cooks, and other personnel responsible for purchasing, handling, preparing and serving food. FoodSafe is a nationally-recognized seminar that addresses the relationship between microbiology and food-borne illness, safe food handling, personal hygiene habits, effective cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils, and measures to ensure a clean, safe food service operation. Participants who pass the examination receive a nationally-recognized certificate which is valid for five years.

0 credit(s) No No No
Frozen Desserts (COOK-0298)

Bakers need to understand the proper methods for preparing custard bases and syrups for the production of ice creams and ices. Topics include: making ice cream, sorbet, granite, and gelato, and mixing, portioning, and serving different frozen desserts.

3 credit(s) No No No
Modern Desserts and Plating (COOK-0265)

This class surveys important trends in the world of modern desserts and presentation techniques. A particular focus of this course is modern trends in desserts, trends in plating design, trends in menu design, and trends in service strategies. This course provides a platform for student creativity and individuality to shine, and be expressed through skills that were acquired throughout the
program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Pies, Pastry, Puff and Phyllo (COOK-0266)

Pre-requisite: COOK-0263 Cookies and Squares
Pastry skills are expanded and refined in this course. The focus are various types, formats, uses, and processes necessary to create pastry doughs. In particular, this course examines correct assemblage and baking of pies, common faults and problems in dough work, as well as dough handling and rolling techniques. Students will replicate pastry recipes as demonstrated by the Instructor, exploring common pastry problems and solutions as the course proceeds.

6 credit(s) No No No
Preserves and Jellies (COOK-0267)

The roles and implications of using fruit in bakeshop products are many and varied. This course examines uses of fruit in the
Bakeshop, with particular attention to preparation of preserves, jellies, jams, fruit spreads, fruit fillings, fruit sauces, and coulis.
Students will be required to replicate the preparations and methods of the Instructor. This will allow students to understand the roles of different fruit products, both when following recipes, and when developing new products.

3 credit(s) No No No
Quick Breads (COOK-0300)

Quick breads form the basis for one of the most important families of bakeshop recipes. This course examines basic quick breads including scones

6 credit(s) No No No
Seminar (IAPP-0003)

This course offers students an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have acquired in previous courses. Learners will demonstrate research skills and the ability to cite sources. They will participate in case scenarios, using industry terminology, that utilize numeracy skills and problem based learning techniques to foster deep understanding of good client/customer service. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

4.5 credit(s) No No No
Special Baking Presentations (COOK-0269)

Confectionary skills are enhanced in this course. While this course examines chocolate, marzipan, pastillage, and nougatine, there will be an opportunity to make chocolates and a variety of decorations. Additionally, spun sugar, sugar cages, poured sugar and blown sugar pieces are examined. This will assist students in creating both original and à la carte sugar work.

3 credit(s) No No No
Student Success (IAPP-0001)

This course integrates elements of student orientation including familiarization with college policies and improves the students’
ability to navigate the college experience and environment. This course also offers the learner an opportunity to learn and
practice the essential study skills needed to thrive in a Canadian post-secondary program of study. The course covers topics such
as success in online learning, time management strategies, communication skills, test taking strategies, academic integrity, and
information literacy, among others. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
WHMIS 1 (HLTH-0047)

If you work in the proximity of hazardous materials, this awareness course is for you. As an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), this course covers safe work habits with hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and labelling of hazardous materials. This course is presented in a straightforward, non-technical manner.

0 credit(s) No No No
Workplace Communication (IAPP-0004)

This course is designed to provide international students with the communication skills required to transition successfully into the Canadian workplace. It will prepare learners to utilize effective communication skills both personally and professionally. Students will use a broad range of activities to develop proficiency in industry terminology, explore scenarios from the field, develop critical thinking skills, and develop effective strategies to enhance their skills in writing and oral communication. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Workplace Essentials - Canada (HOSP-0037)

This course develops the students' understanding of the Canadian workplace to prepare help them for future employment. The students will learn about employability skills they have, and that employers are looking for, Manitoba Employment standards, human rights legislation, motivation in the workplace, effective communication at work, and perceptions in the workplace. Given that these students are newcomers to Canada, cultural diversity is also examined.

3 credit(s) No No No

Fast Facts

Length
10 months / 13 months (international)
Program Start
various
Credential
Certificate
Credits
60 / 82.5 (international)
Course Load
Full-time
Program Details
On Campus
Open to International Students
Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts
204.725.8741
800.862.6307 ex.6213 (toll free)
Locations
Program Information Sheet