Puratos opens first Canadian bakery school program
The launch reinforces Puratos‘ commitment to education, workforce development, and long-term industry sustainability in professional baking and pastry arts.
CANADA – Puratos Canada has launched its inaugural Bakery School program at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, marking the company’s first such initiative in the country.
The program partners with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) to deliver hands-on training in bakery, patisserie, chocolate production, and culinary fundamentals to high school students.
Spanning four semesters from Grade 10 through Grade 12, the curriculum integrates with high school credits, equipping around 25 students in the 2026 inaugural cohort with practical skills and industry exposure.
Located near Puratos’ Canadian headquarters, the school offers direct mentorship from professionals and guest speakers, and real-world bakery operations, transforming theoretical learning into career-launching experiences.
It targets skilled labor shortages in baking and food manufacturing, while prioritizing inclusive pathways for neurodivergent students, expected to comprise about 50% of participants, and youth from underserved communities.
Michael Simone, President of Puratos Canada, emphasized the program’s role in building a job-ready talent pipeline, with verbal commitments already secured from key industry customers eager to hire graduates.
“We are proud to open the first Puratos Bakery School in Canada at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, just minutes from our Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario,” said Michael Simone, President of Puratos Canada.
“There is a clear shortage of skilled labour in the Canadian baking industry. The positive impact these students can have on the industry and the role we can play in shaping their careers is tremendous.”
This aligns with Puratos’ global vision to operate 20 Bakery Schools by 2030, training approximately 1,000 students annually worldwide to foster innovation and sustainability in artisan baking.
The initiative responds to Canada’s evolving food sector demands, where clean-label, premium baked goods require specialized expertise amid labor gaps.
Puratos operates Bakery Schools worldwide, with programs launched in economically underserved regions including South Africa, India, and Vietnam.
The first Bakery School opened in 2014, and the company now operates 13 schools in 12 countries, with three more planned.
The Mississauga school represents the company’s first Canadian location, reinforcing Puratos’ commitment to strengthening the baking industry and expanding access to skilled employment opportunities.
“We are pleased to partner with Puratos in this unique program, which provides an opportunity unlike any other for DPCDSB students interested in exploring or pursuing a career in the baking industry specifically, or in the foodservice industry in general”, said Dr Marianne Mazzorato, Director of Education at DPCDSB.
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