Enabel launches Junior Academy for the next generation of culinary and bakery professionals in Ukraine

As Ukraine continues its recovery, rebuilding human capital is just as important as rebuilding infrastructure. The hospitality, food production and bakery industries offer significant opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local economic development. Investing in young people’s skills in these sectors contributes directly to Ukraine’s economic resilience and long-term recovery.

That is why, as part of the Belgian BE-Relieve programme for Ukraine, Enabel launches a new Junior Academy for young talent, which will be implemented in partnership with Puratos, the Belgian family-owned international leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients.

The Junior Academy will be implemented in seven vocational education and training (VET) schools in Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts, providing young Ukrainians with practical skills, modern industry knowledge and direct exposure to international standards in the culinary and bakery sectors.

Through the Junior Academy, students will gain access to updated learning materials, practical training opportunities, industry expertise and modern approaches to culinary and bakery professions. The initiative will strengthen cooperation between vocational schools and employers, helping to ensure that training programmes respond to current labour market needs and equip graduates with skills that are relevant, adaptable and future-oriented.

The Junior Academy will also help enhance the attractiveness of vocational education by demonstrating clear pathways from learning to employment. By exposing students to innovative technologies, production processes and professional standards used by industry leaders such as Puratos, the Junior Academy contributes to raising the quality and relevance of vocational training in Ukraine. The Junior Academy model was piloted in partnership with Bosch and will also be expanded through a partnership with the Belgian company ETEX.

Particular attention will be given to supporting young people in regions affected by the consequences of war and economic disruption. Through practical training, mentoring and stronger links with employers, the programme will help young people build confidence, develop professional competencies and improve their employment prospects.

This initiative reflects the broader commitment of Belgium, Enabel and Puratos to strengthening Ukraine’s skills ecosystem and supporting the modernisation of vocational education in line with European approaches. It also demonstrates the important role that partnerships between public institutions and the private sector can play in creating opportunities for young people and addressing skills needs in key economic sectors.