Please note: Enrolment for Next Step courses will not open until November 2025. Priority will be given to learners who are enrolled on the related First Step course.
Course description
Explore how you can use your creative skills and passion for cake decorating to start self-employment or small business opportunities.
You will:
- Gain an understanding of the basics of starting a home-based or small food business.
- Build your confidence in presenting and pricing your work.
- Learn the basic knowledge required for employment in areas such as baking, hospitality, or catering.
- Build teamwork and communication through collaborative, hands-on sessions.
- Develop essential skills including time management, precision, and planning.
- Get a self-esteem and motivation boost putting your ideas and skills into practice.
- Take meaningful steps towards employment, independence, and financial resilience.
- Learn high-quality, practical cake decorating skills, including fondant work, buttercream and marzipan covering, royal icing, and sculpted designs.
- Explore specialist techniques such as flower paste roses, teddy bear figures, quilting, fondant drapes, frills, and edible finishing methods like steaming, glazing, and spray toppers.
- Identify your strengths and learn how to recognise and fix your own mistakes.
Course level
Next Step - The aim of these courses is to take your learning and confidence to the next stage. You will learn more about applying your skills further and delve deeper into the subject. For learners who have completed the First Step course.
Who is this course for?
Residents of Calderdale aged 19+ who want to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them to enter voluntary work or employment.
Next Step – Take your learning and confidence to the next stage. Delve deeper into the skills and techniques you explored in the First Step course, and make informed decisions about your own progression.
What do I need to bring?
You will use Google Classroom throughout your course to view work from your lessons, receive messages from your tutor, and access online resources. You can access this on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer. Your tutor will support you to log-in during your first lesson, and the Learner Support team is always on hand to help with any issues.

Course information
Start date: 16th December 2025
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Day: Tuesday
Venue: Heath Campus
Course length: 12 weeks
Course code: EM00043
Course level: Next Step
Fees
Full fee: £144
Fee waiver available: Yes
Additional costs: No