Puratos Bakery School Foundation marks 10-year anniversary

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Puratos Bakery School Foundation marks 10-year anniversary

16 Dec 2024

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

BRUSSELS — The Puratos Bakery School Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary by opening its 13th school. Located in Ethiopia, the newest school welcomed its first students on Nov. 18.

“Over the past ten years, we’ve witnessed over and over again how quality education creates lasting positive change worldwide,” said Jean-Philippe Michaux, chief sustainability and finance officer at Puratos. “From our first school in Mumbai to our newest in Ethiopia, we’re building a sustainable talent pipeline for our industry, while transforming lives.”

Since its beginning in 2014, the Foundation has equipped 484 students with professional skills, with 27 students joining the Ethiopia program. The Foundation also trains talent for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate-making sectors worldwide.

The Foundation’s growth reflects its sustained commitment to communities and its prompt response to increasing industry demand. The two-year curriculum delivers approximately 1,600 hours of instruction across 36 hours. Students begin by learning equipment operation and ingredient interaction before advancing to more specialized subjects such as chocolate technique, bread production and pastry making.

“Our graduates are now making their mark in their fields, proving that, when young people gain these specialized skills, they strengthen not only their own future prospects but also their communities and our industry.” — Jean-Philippe Michaux | chief sustainability and finance officer | Puratos

Many graduates of the program have demonstrated the success of the schools, going on to secure positions at leading bakeries and starting their own thriving businesses. Pranali Katte, a first-generation graduate from India, secured a position at a five-star establishment responsible for bakery and patisserie at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai.

“Our graduates are now making their mark in their fields, proving that, when young people gain these specialized skills, they strengthen not only their own future prospects but also their communities and our industry,” Michaux continued.

In 2022, the Foundation opened its first US Bakery School in New Jersey. As it celebrates its decade of service, the Foundation continues to expand, with more openings scheduled for 2025. These developments align with its goal of operating 20 schools and training 1,000 students annually by 2030.

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