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Baking Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Baker

Fort Dodge, IA

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

As a Baker, you'll be responsible for preparing and baking the products that fill our cases and ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Baker

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

As a Baker, you'll be responsible for preparing and baking the products that fill our cases and ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Baker

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

As a Baker, you'll be responsible for preparing and baking the products that fill our cases and ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Baker

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

As a Baker, you'll be responsible for preparing and baking the products that fill our cases and ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Bakery Donut Person

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent experience required ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Donut Finisher

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.25 - $28/hr

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent experience required ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Baker

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Bakery FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function Responsible for baking products for orders and to ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Primary Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent required; Hy-Vee Food ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Baker

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Bakery FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function Responsible for baking products for orders and to ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Primary Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Donut Finisher

Newton, IA · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent experience required ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Baker

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Bakery FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function Responsible for baking products for orders and to ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Primary Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Baker

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Bakery FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function Responsible for baking products for orders and to ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Primary Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Baker

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Bakery FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function Responsible for baking products for orders and to ... Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer Primary Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Donut Finisher

West Des Moines, IA

$20.25 - $28/hr

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent experience required ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Donut Finisher

Newton, IA · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent experience required ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Apprentice Baker Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent required; Hy-Vee Food ... cooking, baking, or grilling equipment * Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a ...

Baking Apprentice information

What does a baking apprentice do?

A baking apprentice assists experienced bakers in preparing bread, pastries, and other baked goods while learning essential baking techniques and kitchen safety practices. Their responsibilities often include measuring and mixing ingredients, maintaining a clean workspace, and operating baking equipment under supervision. Through hands-on training, apprentices gain practical skills and knowledge needed to advance in the baking profession.

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

To thrive as a Baking Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of baking techniques, food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, scales, mixers, and adherence to food hygiene standards such as ServSafe certification are often expected. Attention to detail, time management, and a willingness to learn set outstanding apprentices apart. These skills ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in a professional bakery environment, laying the foundation for career growth.

What are some common challenges a baking apprentice may encounter during their training period?

As a Baking Apprentice, you may face challenges such as mastering time management, especially during early morning shifts, and adapting to fast-paced kitchen environments. You'll also need to quickly learn proper techniques for mixing, proofing, and baking a variety of products while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Collaborating with experienced bakers and kitchen staff is crucial, and being open to feedback will help you steadily improve your skills. Over time, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that prepare you for more advanced baking roles.

What is the difference between Baking Apprentice vs Pastry Cook?

AspectBaking ApprenticePastry Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, sometimes a culinary school backgroundSimilar culinary training, often with specialized pastry courses
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, learning-focused bakery or kitchenProfessional bakery or restaurant pastry section
Employer & Industry UsageBakery shops, hotels, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, bakeries with pastry departments

The main difference between a Baking Apprentice and a Pastry Cook lies in experience level and job scope. A Baking Apprentice is typically in training, focusing on learning basic baking skills, while a Pastry Cook is more experienced, preparing a variety of baked goods and desserts in a professional setting. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Pastry Cook usually has more hands-on experience and responsibility.

Can you do a baking apprenticeship?

Yes, a baking apprenticeship is a structured training program where aspiring bakers learn skills such as dough preparation, baking techniques, and kitchen safety under the supervision of experienced bakers. Apprenticeships often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.

How long is a baking apprentice's apprenticeship?

A baking apprentice's apprenticeship typically lasts between 1 to 3 years, depending on the program and the employer. During this time, apprentices gain hands-on experience, learn baking techniques, and may work towards certifications or qualifications in baking or pastry arts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Baking jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Baking jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Baking Apprentice job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Hy-Vee rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,664 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 123 rated grocery stores


Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

-

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Baker

Department: Bakery

FLSA: Hourly

Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It's Important

At Hy-Vee, our bakery is a destination for customers who expect freshness, quality, and something that feels homemade. As a Baker, you'll be responsible for preparing and baking the products that fill our cases and fulfill our customers' orders every day. From proofing and frying to pulling from the freezer and leading bakery clerks, your skill and attention to detail directly shape the quality our customers experience.

If you take pride in your craft, thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, and enjoy being part of a hardworking team, we'd love to have you on board.

What You'll Do

No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:

  • Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting every customer with a smile and assisting them with their needs throughout the store

  • Check orders for the day and set up a timeline and production schedule, prioritizing special and future orders as needed

  • Prepare, make up, bake, and fry all department products, proofing items as necessary and pulling product from the freezer or cooler

  • Review product for freshness and pull by stale date; anticipate product needs not only for the current day but for subsequent days

  • Inspect incoming products for quality and quantity, including identifying mispicks

  • Invoice and put away product as instructed by the Department Manager

  • Check signage for correct labels on ad items and review the department for potential safety issues

  • Understand the use and maintenance needs of bakery equipment and follow up on potential issues

  • Operate as a lead with bakery clerks, providing guidance and direction

  • Review current product on the shelf, re-merchandise as needed, and remove or recycle outdated products

  • Order supplies and merchandise items for the department as directed by the Bakery Manager

  • Write the department schedule and ensure coverage in the Bakery Manager's absence

  • Practice proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean, neat, and safe at all times

  • Answer the phone promptly and provide friendly, helpful service to customers who call, including taking product orders

  • Follow Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all department and company guidelines

  • Pitch in with other tasks or special projects as they come up

Your Skills

To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:

  • Bring commitment to Hy-Vee's mission and a genuine passion for delivering an outstanding customer and team experience

  • Solve practical problems and make sound decisions with a variety of variables and limited standardization

  • Apply math skills including fractions, decimals, and percentages in day-to-day tasks

  • Lead and guide bakery clerks, providing direction and maintaining department standards

  • Communicate clearly with customers and co-workers and contribute positively to the team

  • Handle confidential information including sales with discretion

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Perishables, Store Operations, Health Wellness Home; Bakery Department Manager

Direct Reports: Apprentice Baker, Bakery Designer, Wrapper, Fryer

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent experience; department training is helpful

  • Over six months up to one year of similar or related experience preferred

Physical Requirements

  • Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas

  • Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation

  • Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment

  • Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards

  • Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

Working Environment

This is a fast-moving role with significant pressure to meet deadlines throughout your shift. You'll work in the bakery department and can expect continual exposure to flour, noise, and temperature extremes, as well as frequent exposure to dampness, vibrations, and equipment movement hazards, and occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.


What Hy-Vee employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Hy-Vee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, IA, US, operates within the supermarket industry. Founded in 1930 by Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg, the company began as a small general store in Beaconsfield, Iowa. Over the years, Hy-Vee has evolved into a network of more than 245 supermarkets across 8 states in the Midwest. They offer a wide range of products and services, including grocery, bakery items, delicatessen, floral, and other specialty departments. With a company motto of “A helpful smile in every aisle”, Hy-Vee's mission is to make each customer's life easier, healthier, and happier. They have received several awards for their commitment to healthy living, customer service and community outreach.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1930