At Ella & Bella, we believe preparation is the key to empowerment. We don’t just offer jobs, we build a bridge to them. Here’s how our Vocational Outreach Program works.
Building Skills in a Familiar Setting
We know that new environments can feel overwhelming. So we bring the equipment to the students first, working in familiar spaces with their peers and mentors. Our specialized Training Kits include:
• The Prep Station: Flour, industrial scales, and containers for practicing precise measuring and packing.
• The Dough Lab: Playdough and professional cookie cutters so students can practice cutting shapes and learning the spatial alignment needed for arranging treats on a sheet pan.
• The Packaging Hub: Practice counting the correct number of treats into each bag and mastering the sealing process, using fake cookies and real packaging.
Beyond the Recipe: Soft Skills and Digital Literacy
A job at Ella & Bella is about more than baking. Our training includes:
• Digital Integration: Students practice using a PIN to log in and out of work, building comfort with modern workplace tools.
• Digital Integration: Students practice using a PIN to log in and out of work, building comfort with modern workplace tools.
• Professional Soft Skills: From following a production schedule to workplace communication, we focus on the habits that build long-term employment success.
Practice into Action
After students have practiced the skills in their own setting, they come to our Raleigh kitchen to apply what they’ve learned in a real production environment.