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Baker Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Ensure all employees and client trainees meet all safety requirements. Report any failures of ... Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare ...

New

Be Seen First

... bake shop/galley, and the organization of employee and client trainees. • Maintain all work areas, equipment and cooking utensils in a clean and sanitary condition. Inspect all food items for ...

Veteran-friendly

Manage daily operations of Meat, Seafood, Deli, Produce, Floral and Bakery departments. * Ensure training & development of all Meat, Seafood, Deli, Produce, Floral and Baker associates; review ...

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Baker Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$15

$25

How much do baker trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for baker trainee in Virginia is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.69 and $17.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Baker Trainees face during their initial months, and how can they overcome them?

Baker Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering precise techniques, maintaining consistency in product quality, and adapting to early morning or overnight shifts. Adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment and learning to work efficiently alongside experienced bakers can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, trainees should proactively seek feedback, practice time management, and embrace opportunities to learn from mentors and team members. Building strong communication skills and staying organized will help ease the transition and promote steady growth.

What is the difference between Baker Trainee vs Baker Apprentice?

AspectBaker TraineeBaker Apprentice
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, on-the-job trainingTypically involves structured apprenticeship programs, may require basic certifications
Work EnvironmentBakery settings, learning under supervisionSimilar bakery environments, with a focus on skill development
Industry UsageCommon entry-level position for those starting in bakingFormal training pathway, often part of a recognized apprenticeship

Both Baker Trainee and Baker Apprentice roles serve as entry points into the baking industry, focusing on skill development and hands-on training. While a Baker Trainee may not require formal certifications, a Baker Apprentice often participates in structured programs that may include certifications. Understanding these differences helps aspiring bakers choose the right path for their career growth.

What is a Baker Trainee?

A Baker Trainee is an entry-level employee who learns the basics of baking in a professional environment, typically under the supervision of experienced bakers. Their duties often include measuring and mixing ingredients, preparing doughs and batters, assisting with baking bread and pastries, and cleaning work areas. Baker Trainees gain hands-on experience in baking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, which prepares them for more advanced roles in the bakery. This position is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in baking or pastry arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Baker Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Baker Trainee, you need basic knowledge of baking techniques, food safety standards, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bakery equipment, measuring tools, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you adapt and excel in a fast-paced kitchen. These skills and qualities ensure consistent product quality, efficient operations, and a positive learning experience in a bakery environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Baker jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Baker jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Baker Trainee jobs in Virginia? For Baker Trainee jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Baker Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Baker Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Baker Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Baker Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Baker Trainee job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,538 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Lead Cook

Lead Cook

Palmetto Goodwill

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Palmetto Goodwill rating

3.8

Company rating: 3.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

744th of 759 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION - LEAD COOK
JOB TITLE
Lead Cook REPORTS TO Project Manager
DIVISION Contracts
FLSA Non-Exempt Summary Work under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, prepare and supervise meals that are prepared in an appetizing manner according to the Armed Forces Recipe System (P-7). Train cooks and employee/client trainees. Ensure assigned food service spaces meet high standards of sanitation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Strictly adhere to and prepare products according to the Armed Forces Recipe Service and the food preparation worksheet (NAVSUP 1090)

. • Maintain the cleanliness and operation of the galley, and good order and discipline of employee and client trainees.
  • Maintain all work areas, equipment and cooking utensils in a clean and sanitary condition. Taste and inspect all baked items for quality, texture and appearance prior to serving.
  • Inspect all food items for quality and appearance prior to serving.
  • Maintain proper levels safety precautions in all activities you perform. Ensure all employees and client trainees meet all safety requirements. Report any failures of equipment and personnel to meet posted safety precautions to supervisors.
  • Report all inoperative equipment to the Kitchen Manager.
  • Ensure all Goodwill Industries and Naval policies and procedures are followed.
  • Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers.
  • Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours.
  • Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP 1090.
  • Assist in developing food cost and control, monitor that food budget remains within defined guidelines.
  • Prepare the NAVSUP 1282 for requisitioning of required bake products as identified on NAVSUP 1090. • Supervise receipt of provisions, proper thawing and storing for bake shop use. Ensure proper handling during preparation of bake product.
  • Responsible for the overall preparation of all cooked products and maintaining the cleanliness of all work areas.
  • Work under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, prepare and supervise meals are prepared in an appetizing manner according to the Armed Forces Recipe System (p-7). Train cooks and employee/client trainees. Ensure assigned food service spaces meet high standards of sanitation.
  • Other duties assigned by the Kitchen Manager. Supervisory Responsibilities Training and supervising Cooks. Qualifications The employee must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with military personnel and other contractors. Must be able to read, write, and understand English and perform basic math calculations. Maintain the ability to think, react calmly, and respond to emergency situations. Must be able to perform under stressful situations and respond to work problems. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level required in the contract and upon receiving clearance eligibility must begin work within 30 days. Within 90 days of employment must be able to obtain ServSafe certification. Education and Experience High school graduate. Five (5) years' experience volume food preparation. Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a supervisor position. Physical Demands While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to be able to stand walk for long periods of time; ambulate independently, bend, stoop, and balance; speak and hear clearly. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. I have read and received a copy of this Job Description. I am able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

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