Employers

A wide variety of settings are available to the estimated 12,860 food batchmakers in the sugar and confectionery manufacturing industry in the United States, from small candy stores that make their own confections to multinational corporations. Employment is also available at small and mid-size confection manufacturers. Although candy is made throughout the United States, the candy industry is most active in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and California.

Starting Out

Job seekers should apply directly to local plants for employment. Online ads are a good source of leads. In addition, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, to which many workers belong, may provide information about local openings. Some companies may place newspaper ads for workers. Many small retail stores, such as popcorn stores, also hire people to prepare and sell their candy and other confectionery products. Apply directly for these positions as well.

Workers who are willing to learn about all aspects of confectionery making can advance to positions as candy makers or supervisors. Workers may enter other food processing occupations, such as raw sugar refining, where earnings may be considerably higher. The greater the range of specialized knowledge and skills a worker has, the greater the chance for advancement. The size of the plant and the rate of turnover among employees also affect promotion opportunities.

Attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo (http://www.sweetsandsnacks.com) and PMCA's annual Production Conference (http://pmca.com/production-conference) to learn about potential employers, network, and take continuing education classes.

Visit http://jobs.ecandy.com for job listings.

Read the following industry publications to learn more about the field:

• Manufacturing Confectioner (http://www.gomc.com)
• Candy Industry (http://www.candyindustry.com)
• Candy & Snack Today (http://www.candyusa.com/nca-news/cst)