Waukesha County Technical College
Baking and Pastry Production

Baking and Pastry Production

Program Information

Degree Type

27-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code

31-314-3

Time to Degree

1 year

Start Date

August

How You'll Learn

On Campus

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Professional bakers possess the skills and creativity necessary to prepare everything from artisan breads to decadent desserts. Focus on baking concepts, principles and techniques, and devote more than 500 hours to lab course time gaining hands-on practice. Learn to prepare specialty breads, desserts and pastries, and refine techniques in cake production and decorating.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2022
  • Application Deadline: June 12, 2023

Spring 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in spring.

Summer 2023 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any PC
  • Baking Kit: $450
  • Uniforms: $200
  • Black non-slip lace-up shoes: $50

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you are creative, patient and have a great deal of stamina, a career in baking and pastry production may be right for you. Bakers create new recipes and elaborate decorations for cakes and pastries, and the work they do requires a steady hand and many hours of standing. Additionally, much of their work is detail oriented, requiring a sharp focus and eye for detail.

  • Pastry Chef
  • Baker
  • Cake Decorator
  • Shift Supervisor

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$22,100 - $32,200 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

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Program Courses
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Program PDF
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

This program is primarily offered during the evening, four days per week.

2

Classes give students extensive hands-on experience (576 lab hours) on a wide array of equipment.

3

Hospitality and Culinary students gain valuable experience at WCTC's training restaurant, The Classic Room and The Classic Bistro.

Baking and Pastry Production

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Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Baking and Pastry Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Technical Diploma
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Technical Diploma
  • Baking and Pastry Production (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

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