Puratos launches a bakery school program in Canada

Puratos Canada opens its first Canadian Bakery School program at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School in Mississsauga, Ont.

The program will run in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB). Puratos operates programs in 13 bakery schools across 12 countries, with three more planned. The Mississauga school represents the company’s first Canadian location.

The program will run across four semesters, starting in Grade 11 and running through to Grade 12, with coursework counting toward high school credits. The inaugural cohort includes approximately 25 students.

Through this program students will gain practical skills and work-ready experience, while the baking industry benefits from a job-ready talent pipeline. The program also addresses the need for inclusive education pathways for neurodivergent students, who are expected to comprise approximately 50 per cent of participants.

Puratos has reportedly obtained verbal commitments from key customers who hope to help fill their labour pipeline in the future with these students.