Empowering the Bakery Schools: A Transformative Training Week at HQ

September 2025 marked a milestone for the Bakery School Foundation, which has been nurturing talent since its creation in 2014. For the first time, we brought together 24 dedicated employees, 13 teachers and 11 school directors, for an immersive week of training, collaboration, and inspiration.

The week kicked off with heart and energy as participants arrived early to join our annual 20 Miles event at Puratos HQ, a cherished tradition that raises funds for the Bakery School Foundation. Some joined the 5-mile trek, while others volunteered to support the event. It was a reminder of our shared mission and the community spirit that drives us.

The first two days were dedicated to practical training for our teachers, guided by our technical advisors. Day one focused on patisserie, while day two delved into bakery techniques. These sessions were designed to deepen their expertise and enhance their understanding of Puratos products, ensuring they can pass on the highest quality skills to students in their home countries.

While teachers honed their craft, school directors engaged in strategic sessions with a Dirk Kerckhoven, a pedagogical consultant. Together, they explored the complex challenges faced by students from difficult social backgrounds. Through case studies and collaborative planning, they developed actionable strategies to support student success and retention.

Midweek, all participants came together for sessions on communication, sustainability, health & well-being, and market trends, topics that resonate deeply with the evolving needs of our schools and students. These discussions sparked new ideas and reinforced our commitment to holistic education.

Besides industry related topics, we also organized the insights training for all participants which helped us to better understand one another and improve how we communicate and collaborate across borders.