Pastry Saimaa
About the training programs
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to questions we are often asked.
What is a pastry master?
Competence of the qualification holder
A pastry master is able to ideate, plan, and produce comprehensive pastry product creations, artisanal pieces, and specialty confectionery products. A person who has completed the qualification is able to work hygienically, safely, and ergonomically while following the company’s self-monitoring program.
Depending on the selected modules of the qualification, the graduate may also be able to manage the business operations of a bakery company, be responsible for personnel, procurement processes, and staff orientation. In addition, the graduate may be able to plan and lead a production development project or design and implement a product development project within the bakery industry. Depending on the chosen qualification modules, the graduate may also master international bakery competition activities as well as the ideation, planning, and execution of a complete dessert concept.
Typical roles for graduates
Graduates may work in bakeries, pastry shops, and industrial bakeries in production or supervisory roles. The qualification holder may also work as an independent professional or entrepreneur.
Source: https://eperusteet.opintopolku.fi/#/fi/esitys/2291717/reformi/tiedot
What is a pastry apprentice?
Competence of the qualification holder
A pastry apprentice works in small bakeries and pastry shops as well as in the baking industry, producing a wide range of bakery products from dough to finished items. A pastry apprentice prepares various pastry products from the preparation of doughs or masses through baking, decorating, finishing, and packaging. They also produce products for special dietary needs.
The qualification holder understands food safety and the use of machinery and equipment. They also maintain cleanliness and order in the work environment in accordance with food legislation and the company’s self-monitoring program. The graduate follows occupational safety and ergonomic guidelines. They package products appropriately, prepare product labels, and handle the packing and dispatch of products to customers. They work economically, efficiently, and flexibly while mastering bakery industry working methods. The graduate ensures product quality and uses information technology as part of their work.
Typical roles for graduates
A person who has completed the bakery industry vocational qualification may work in bakeries in roles such as dough maker, baker, oven operator, packer, or dispatch worker. A pastry apprentice may also work as an independent professional or entrepreneur in the bakery industry.
Source: https://eperusteet.opintopolku.fi/#/fi/esitys/2291716/reformi/tiedot
Why choose Sampo? What makes the pastry master studies at Sampo special?
Individual study path
Studies in Sampo’s pastry master training begin with each student’s own goals, needs, and existing skills. We build a personalized learning path for every student. This path may take one of the following forms:
- A qualification-oriented pastry master path
- A continuing education path that brings new inspiration and development to professional work for those who already hold a pastry master qualification
- A competition path for students aiming to compete and train for professional pastry competitions
A positive atmosphere, teamwork, and finding your professional identity
Our teaching starts with creating the right atmosphere for learning. Education is based on team pedagogy, where the learning process places greater responsibility on the student. In the team learning model, learning takes place through real working-life projects that are combined with knowledge acquisition and theoretical studies when appropriate.
During the training, we work with each student to explore their professional identity and identify their strongest and most inspiring area within the pastry field. Throughout the studies, this strength is nurtured so that the student develops into an expert in their chosen area.
Master instructors and networking
The training is carried out in close cooperation with professionals from working life. Courses are led by specialists and top professionals in the field. Students have the opportunity to network not only with fellow students but also with master instructors.
We carry out industry-based collaboration projects together with our master instructors and offer internship opportunities at their workplaces. In addition, we participate in numerous pastry competitions where students can compete themselves or observe leading professionals at work.
Website and social media presence
Our training program has its own website, providing students with an opportunity to build their professional profile and showcase their expertise.
Modern facilities and equipment
Sampo offers modern and well-equipped training facilities. The teaching kitchen includes high-quality equipment such as an excellent ice cream machine, a chocolate tempering machine, and a wide range of molds, tools, and specialized small equipment used in pastry work.
What values guide the learning process?
We work together toward a shared goal. It is important to us that we share common values that every student can stand behind.
Our values in pastry training are:
- With respect and professionalism
- Through empowerment
- With joy
- With enthusiasm
- Through hands-on learning
- By discovering one’s own strengths
Who is the training intended for?
The pastry master training is intended for professionals working in the field or for teachers in the industry who have a prior vocational qualification (baker–pastry chef or pastry apprentice) or extensive work experience. The pastry apprentice training is suitable as further education for those who have completed a baker–pastry chef qualification or for individuals with sufficient work experience in the field.
What is the scope of the training?
The pastry master training program consists of 180 competence points. The compulsory modules account for 120 competence points and the elective modules for 60 competence points. The pastry apprentice qualification consists of 150 competence points, including 30 competence points of compulsory modules and 120 competence points of elective modules.
More information about the structure of the qualifications, module contents, and competence demonstrations can be found here:
Pastry master training: https://eperusteet.opintopolku.fi/#/fi/esitys/2291716/reformi/rakenne
Pastry apprentice training: https://eperusteet.opintopolku.fi/#/fi/esitys/2291716/reformi/rakenne
How long does the training take?
Completing the qualification takes approximately 1.5 years. It is also possible to complete individual modules of the training, such as a single qualification unit, which may take around six months.
How and where is the training delivered?
The training is delivered through qualification modules. It includes contact teaching days in Sampo in Lappeenranta, divided into different thematic areas, as well as online learning and collaboration projects. Some contact teaching may also take place in other learning environments in different cities. During the training, there are approximately 16–24 contact teaching days. The competence covered during these contact days can also be acquired in other ways and in different environments.
Students also have the opportunity to complete part of their studies through international internships at partner companies or educational institutions abroad.
In addition, Sampo organizes workshop evenings where students can independently practice their assignments in the teaching kitchen.
What does the training cost?
The training can be completed as an apprenticeship alongside work at your own workplace or company. The studies may also include product development projects related to your work.
Courses led by international instructors include a participation fee, which will be specified separately during registration.
Read more about apprenticeship training at Sampo: https://www.edusampo.fi/opiskelemaan/hae_opiskelijaksi/oppisopimus
It is also possible to participate in parts of the training or individual courses by paying a course fee.
When and how can you apply for the training?
The training programs have continuous admission – you can apply at any time.
Apply for the pastry master training here: https://edusampo.fi/koulutus/leipomoalan-erikoisammattitutkinto-kondiittorimestari/
Apply for the pastry apprentice training here: https://edusampo.fi/koulutus/leipomoalan-ammattitutkinto-kondiittorikisalli/
Want to learn more?
I have learned an incredible amount during the pastry master studies. For example, I have learned to plan my workflow much better, design products, and combine new flavors and flavor pairings. One wonderful experience during this year of study has been the ceramics workshop. Each of us created our own plates, and we then develop our desserts specifically for those pieces. That is one of our goals.
Another example that comes to mind is vegan pastry products. I used to think they could only be made with coconut, which has a thick and fatty flavor, but here my perspective has completely changed.