Next Gen Baker

Roll up your sleeves and put some love into the dough
Are you getting excited yet? In this module, you’ll learn to bake just like the bakers of old: kneading, shaping, and letting the dough rise, all by hand! Not because we’re nostalgic, but because you can only truly understand what dough needs when you feel it, smell it, and see it work. You’ll learn to engage all your senses, why kneading is crucial for a supple dough, and how proofing determines the flavor and texture. By paying attention to every detail, you’ll discover that a little love in the dough makes a world of difference. This artisanal foundation will help you stand out even in the most modern bakery. After this module, you’ll take home a bag full of delicious homemade bread.

Big machines, great flavors
How do you get machines to replicate the artisanal feel of handmade bread? In this module, you’ll learn the secret: knowledge, insight, and a feel for the process. We’ll take you on a tour of state-of-the-art production lines where tradition and technology go hand in hand. You’ll learn how to operate and fine-tune the machines and handle the dough as if it were kneaded by human hands. Because bread remains a natural product (especially when you work with sourdough!), you’ll also learn to manage factors like humidity and temperature. You’ll become the kind of baker who doesn’t just press buttons, but truly understands what’s happening in the mixing bowl. You’ll work with machines and learn to understand, operate, and improve industrial processes. In these modules, we’ll also actually step into the bakery; you’ll see, hear, and feel what each machine does to the dough.

In this and the previous module, we’ll also examine the bread: what was the desired outcome, and what is the actual result? How did this happen, and why? What needs to be changed in the process to achieve the desired result? Evaluating bread just like real bakers do.

After these three modules, you will present the first part of your portfolio. What have you learned, what surprised you, and how can you apply this knowledge in your work?

Working safely and enjoyably = safe, delicious bread
In the bakery, it’s not just about delicious products, but also about working safely and enjoyably. This module teaches you everything about food safety, hygiene (such as HACCP), and machine safety. You’ll learn about the regulations governing food production, so you’ll know exactly how to prevent foodborne illnesses. But you’ll also learn to identify potential hazards and risks in the production process and how to use the machines we work with in the bakery safely and responsibly. And you’ll learn how to ensure your bread is of the highest quality, free from ingredients that don’t belong in bread and could damage the company’s reputation.

But this module also covers social safety: how do you set boundaries, and how do you foster a positive atmosphere in the workplace? How do you address colleagues in a dangerous situation or if you notice they’re struggling mentally? We’ll teach you how to stay strong—not just physically, but mentally as well. Because a safe and healthy baker bakes the best bread!

Smarter baking, less waste
Why make things difficult when you can do them smarter? In this module, you’ll learn the ins and outs of LEAN practices: how to prevent waste, improve processes, and minimize errors. You’ll discover how the individual links in the production chain are interconnected and why even small improvements make a big difference. We’ll also cover KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) metrics that will help you take your bakery to the next level. You’ll become that smart baker who not only pays attention to what happens to the loaves but also understands how everything comes together on the shop floor.

You’ll analyze a problem and/or process at your own workplace; this is the starting point for your final project. How does this problem arise, and what can be done to optimize or resolve this process? You’ll develop an action plan, and over the coming weeks, you’ll consult with your supervisor, colleagues, and fellow students to develop an improvement plan.

Stronger together, more successful together
A good bakery isn’t just about baking great bread; it’s also about taking responsibility for consumers, the environment, and the future of the trade. What does that mean in practice? Customers are setting increasingly high standards for quality, safety, sustainability, and transparency. That’s why it’s important to know what certifications exist and what they say about a product or company.

In addition, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role. How do you ensure that we’ll still be able to make bread a hundred years from now? What do we mean by sustainable business practices? What does B Corp certification mean, and why are more and more companies choosing it? And when can you actually call a loaf of bread organic?

By delving into these topics, you’ll not only learn how to bake the best bread but also how to make conscious choices that benefit people, the environment, and society. This way, you’ll not only be able to demonstrate your craftsmanship but also inspire your colleagues to work together to get a little better every day.

From the oven to the bread board: the complete picture
What happens to your delicious products after they leave the bakery? In this module, you’ll learn how bake-off products are finished and presented in the store. We’ll step into the customer’s shoes for a moment: what are they looking for? Convenience, healthy eating, enjoyment and, of course, a good price. You’ll learn how to make tasty, artisanal products for all consumers and how to respond to market trends and preferences. This module also covers how to showcase product quality: properly baked products, knowledge of allergens, and accurate label information. As a Next Gen Baker, you’ll have the whole picture at your fingertips.

Grow with your talent
This module runs like a thread through the entire program. Of course, it’s all about expanding your professional knowledge, but your personal development is just as important. Through homework assignments, presentations, and hands-on lessons, you’ll be challenged to become not only a better baker but also a stronger professional. You’ll learn to collaborate with colleagues, present to a group, give and receive constructive feedback, and speak confidently about your work and your ideas. These are skills that will serve you well not only in the bakery but throughout your entire career.

Toward the end of the program, this topic receives special attention. After all, a good baker stands out not only through craftsmanship but also through personal leadership. Through coaching, reflection, and practical assignments, you’ll discover your own style of collaborating, communicating, and growing. We challenge you to become stronger, more confident, and more resilient, both on the job and beyond. Your personal development is central to the program, because when you know yourself well, you can inspire others and achieve great results together.

On the second-to-last day of class, the focus is entirely on your own creativity. You’ll make, knead, and bake your own bread roll. Will you choose a classic favorite, a beloved snack, or a concept you’ve come up with entirely on your own? Anything is possible. On this day, you’ll also have a one-on-one conversation about your progress during the program, and we’ll discuss the final components of your portfolio.

The harvest of your efforts
The final day of the program marks the festive conclusion of your learning journey. You’ll present your optimization project and portfolio to fellow students, instructors, and invited guests. Colleagues, friends, and family are also warmly welcome to celebrate this special milestone with you. After a group lunch where, of course, you’ll enjoy the homemade sandwiches, the official graduation ceremony will take place.

If you’ve completed all assignments with a passing grade, you’ll receive an official CPION-certified diploma, a valuable recognition of your dedication, growth, and expertise. Of course, we’ll wrap up the day in festive style and reflect on everything you’ve accomplished.

The story doesn’t end there. A few months after graduation, we’ll come together again, not just for the fun of it, but also to share experiences and discuss how your optimization plans are coming along. We’ll also put on our aprons again and bake bread together. Because no matter how wonderful personal development, innovation, and knowledge may be, in the end, there’s one thing that connects us all: the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands and enjoying it together.