Industry: Manufacturing/Services
Anthony Fisher is a third generation baker but he isn't tied down to a family bakery. Instead, he travels the world with his passion for baking. From working across Australia, to establishing the Baker's Delight chain in Canada, there is more than just his bread on the rise in his career!
Like many 16 years olds choosing their apprenticeship, Anthony had only one thing on his mind: surfing.
Anthony began his baking apprenticeship at 16 because he wanted to work nights and keep his days free so he could savour the swell.
"I wanted a job that allowed me to work at night and surf during the day and baking seemed the ideal option." Anthony recalls.
He worked in several bakeries across Australia as he was younger, to become manager of his Baker's Delight store back in his hometown of Warrnambool.
Anthony's job brought him more variety and opportunities than he expected, when in 2004 he joined the international expansion team to bring Baker's Delight to Canada.
"In 16 months we opened 13 bakeries and I worked as a baker, multi-site manager, technical baker and business consultant," says Anthony.
He is proud to be able to pass on the art of baking to others in the industry, returning to Australia to work as a technical baker for the Baker's Delight Corporate office. "I feel it's important the craft of ‘scratch-baking' is maintained and passed on despite the increase of products laden with preservatives."
"In a way, it seems we're holding onto a tradition, where breads were baked fresh daily and before preservatives were used. Like the days where there was a bakery on every corner and your first customer would arrive at 6am."
So, as a third-generation baker was it ‘nature or nurture' that led him to this career?
"My dad was also a keen surfer and it worked for him!" laughs Anthony.
The best part of the job?
A career in baking opens up a lot of doors - more than I initially realised. Once qualified, it is possible to manage or operate a business, join the corporate office or perhaps travel around the world baking. It really is up to the passion and hard work of the individual
The hardest part of the job?
Baking is a craft that has been around for thousands of years and it is something that you must enjoy to improve at. There are some difficult aspects to the trade such as the early starts but if your heart is in it, the opportunities are endless.
Information provided by Sophie Harley.
