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From Passion to Profit: Cake Decorating for Self-Employment (Next Step)

Develop cake decorating skills to help you start your own business.

This course is now full.

You can use our enquiry form to register on our waiting list or request more information.

Please make the Learner Support Team aware of any specific dietary needs prior to the course start date.

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

Take your learning and confidence to the next stage.

  • Delve deeper into the skills and techniques you explored in the First Step course.
  • Learn more about applying your skills further and delve deeper into the subject.
  • Make informed decisions about your own progression.

For learners who have completed the First Step course.

Who this course is for

  • Residents of Calderdale aged 19 plus;
  • who want to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them to enter voluntary work or employment.

What you 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 get this on your smartphone, tablet or laptop/computer.

Your tutor will support you to log-in during your first lesson.

The Learner Support team is always on hand to help with any issues.

Preparation for employment

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.

Additional information

Learning delivery method

We have the skills, resources and dedication to help you access the learning you need to enrich your life.

Your course will be delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tutor via:

  • The classroom, face-to-face teaching at Heath Campus or other venues in Calderdale.
  • Also, Google Classroom will be used to access:
    • electronic learning resources;
    • coursework set by your tutor;
    • collaborative work;
    • and online sessions, if needed.

What we expect from you

You must do various learning activities so we can make sure you are making the expected progress. This is because:

  • your course is funded in full or part by the Government via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority;
  • and all Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL) learning is subject to Ofsted inspection.

You may need to do extra work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension, where needed. Also, you are expected to be:

  • punctual;
  • attend regularly;
  • and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course.

Important: You may lose your place, if:

  • your attendance drops below 88%;
  • or you do not attend three classes in a row and have not informed CAL.

How you will know if you are making progress

An Initial Assessment activity at the start of the course will enable your tutor to assess your starting point.

  • For non-accredited learning this will be completed using a set tutor assessment relevant to the subject area.
  • For accredited courses this requires learners to complete an assessment on the BKSB learning platform.

In every class we acknowledge and accommodate for different levels of skill and experience. This is so learners will be encouraged to identify and work on their own areas for improvement.

You will have a 'Learner Journey' with your tutor. Here, you will set the learning targets that you want to meet.

During the course, you will have the chance to:

  • discuss your progress with your tutor;
  • complete regular assessments;
  • and be given feedback, both verbal and written, on work that you produce.

Support for your progression and next steps

Please refer to:

  • the advice given to you by your course tutor towards the end of your course;
  • or speak to CAL's IAG Officer for information on how you can progress.

For our latest courses, see: Adult Learning.

If you need support in literacy, numeracy, IT or employability skills, please speak to your tutor in the first instance.

Information, advice and guidance

CAL Service has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering IAG on learning and work.

We aim to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Tutors, learning support staff and our IAG Officer can help you decide if a course is right for you. If it is not, we will aim to put you in touch with another provider.

For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust.

You can also contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Their website is also an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning: National Careers Service.

Contact us

Calderdale Adult Learning:

Address:

  • Heath Campus, Unit 4, Free School Lane, Halifax. HX1 2PS.

Phone:

Email:

Office hours:

  • Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
  • Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

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