Wilton Students...a Question For You.
Decorating By scrapmomof3 Updated 17 Feb 2007 , 2:15pm by nicoles-a-tryin
How many of you got a job decorating cakes after taking the Wilton classes? Do you work in a grocery store bakery or privately owned bakery? Did you have to show your abilities or were you just hired and trained on the job? Finally, what is a typical day for you at work?
Once I do the Wilton course (and my daughter goes to kindergarten), I would like to find a job in the cake decorating biz. I am just curious how this worked out for the rest of you.
Lisa
How did your job as an instructor come about? Do you work just evenings? That sounds like a good option.
Lisa
I'd rather be an instructor too. When I finished class #3, they gave us a card to fill out if we were interested in teaching. I don't think it pays a lot, but would be fun.
I did apply at a grocery store last year, but didn't get the job. The frosting was too soft and they wanted someone who could whip up a creation at the speed of light. So, I'm not looking at grocery store bakeries anymore! lol
It sounds like I got a bum of a Wilton class. I didn't really learn much (I've learned much more on CC). My instructor didn't reallly teach much, just bragged about what she could do and what she was going to do. I took class 1 and 3 at the same time and we didn't get a card to fill out in case we were intersted. Maybe I should take them over with someone else.....
I guess my point is for this thread that what you can do after the class really depends on the teacher you get, if you get a good one you could probably get a job with what you learn, but if you dont' get a good one then maybe not. Good luck though!
I never took any classes I started as a baker and then just picked up cake decorating once I left the job in the grocery store I had to show a portfolio to casino's and have 3 years experience but that was for a lead position so I dont think you have to show that much experience for a grocery store although you do have to be able to make a cake at the speed of light like wendy sue said.
It sounds like I got a bum of a Wilton class. I didn't really learn much (I've learned much more on CC). My instructor didn't reallly teach much, just bragged about what she could do and what she was going to do. I took class 1 and 3 at the same time and we didn't get a card to fill out in case we were intersted. Maybe I should take them over with someone else.....
I guess my point is for this thread that what you can do after the class really depends on the teacher you get, if you get a good one you could probably get a job with what you learn, but if you dont' get a good one then maybe not. Good luck though!
This is soooooooo true. I took one teacher for classes 1 and 2 and another for class 3. There was a night and day difference between the two and I've actually considered taking all the courses over again with the last instructor I had, just to improve my techniques. She was on top of her game!
I think it depends a lot on how well the teachers themselves were trained. I took the same instructor for all three classes, and she was great. Right before the third class ended, she went to a Wilton sponsored training just for Instructors. She came back and re-taught us a bunch of stuff because she was originally taught the wrong way, or in some instances, her instructors didn't teach her at all. She was actually trained this time by the Wilton staff, so it made a difference in how she taught from then on.
To answer your question, almost every one of us that took the classes was doing it for hobby or for home baking.
Oops! I think that's a red velvet cake. Did it fall apart? I hate to admit it, but I've had that one happen a couple of time!
HI all
I have taken all three wilton courses. Have to admit, not too fond of the classes. I began working in a bakery decorating shortly after. I learned so much from the gal there than any course I took. Now, I am not a huge wilton fan, but it really depends on the instructor. I am a teacher for the bakery I used to decorate for. I now am so busy with my own cakes that I could no longer decorate for the bakery. I love teaching. Sometimes, more than making cakes. To become a wilton instructor, you have to complete all the courses and sign up on line. They are always desperately looking for instructors. I don't teach the wilton course, we have our own developed and cover other things.
Good luck, and enjoy the classes, they are a lot of fun.
Yikes!!! You guys are scaring me!!! I work part-time for Michael's (I love working there!) I finished Wilton course 1 two weeks ago. I'm 2 weeks behind in course 2 because of the cancellations due to the nasty weather we've been having. In 2 weeks I start teaching course 1.
I had a pretty good teacher but I've learned SO MUCH more just reading the forums on here! I want to give my students all the great tips I picked up from here even if that means talking a mile a minute during the class! I wish I had more tips throughout the course. Wilton was good as far as sending me alot of manuals as well as instructional DVD's to watch.
I think the pay is good for only teaching 2 hour classes. Plus Michael's pays me to be there on top of what Wilton pays me. Can't complain here! Wilton has its incentives too!
I was able to pick what night and time was convenient for me. I could've done days too but I'm a Girl Scout leader and wanted to leave my days open. They're very flexible!
I would want to know if a student didn't enjoy my class. I would offer her one on one time at my own expense. I would feel just terrible if someone wasn't satisfied with the course!
I loved my Wilton instructor. She was great and she's up here on CC too! She offered lots of tips/tricks outside of just what Wilton has. I thought she was great and would recommend her. I think your instructor has a lot to do with what you learn.
My instructor asked if I would consider being a teacher and was very interested in having me as one. (You don't have to sign up online... it can come from a recommendation from your instructor too.) Anyway,.. DH said he could make more money in the time I was gone if he was working that he'd rather have me home... in short he didn't want to watch the kids for one night a week while I taught. 
Now we're scraping cause he was one of those end of year cuts and is job hunting... He still won't let me do it!!! UGRRRR!!! One day I will though... For now I will just have to contend myself with my own cakes and keep taking every class I can.
Thanks for letting me put in my own two cents worth and venting a bit! 
- Paula
Oh Paula, I just cannot stand that whole "I can make more money.....". My husband tells me that ALL the time!
When I told him I wanted to sign up for the Wilton class in hopes of one day getting a job decorating cakes, his response was "I would rather have you spend more time cleaning the house" It was just infuriating and condescending! I don't believe any husband should try and control their wife.
I hope you are able to make him understand 'your' dream and give you the freedom to pursue it...just as you would for him.
Good Luck!!
Lisa
I am 1 class away from being done with course one and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Our instructor is very sweet. I am going to miss a class and she offered to come in early or stay late and show me what I'll be missing. But I am not taking the classes so I can get a job...its just for fun. This will be just a side hobby for me. I started out only doing fondant so I thought I'd better learn how to pipe some stuff 
Becoming an instructor is an option though...I think that would be fun!
Unfortuntely where I am ...we only have ONE Wilton teacher..I didn't find her helpful at all. I also agree I learned most of my stuff from here and the wilton site. (Which she didn't even know about the sites)
I wish they hired more teachers here...Would be fun.
I believe now....it is for her, all the $$ and not really caring about how much we learn. which is sad.
So, if you love it (decorating) your students would LOVE to learn from you for sure.
Good luck in your future...and please keep us posted in anything you get!
( I enjoy doin them from home, not sure what else there is to do here)
Nicole....Your cakes are awesome!! The teapot for Christmas is just beyond gorgeous! How did you learn to do that and the purses?
Lisa
Honestly, I do admit....I ask tons of questions...and annoy everyone..HEHE. I love learning from everyone on here and Wilton site. There are so many kind people, and they ALWAYS offer to share with you instructions etc...As do I.
The teapot ....I actually needed a larger cake then the round (sports ball) So, I just figured the Doll pan...that I have NEVER used ...would be good.
Thanks for your compliments.
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