Vocational Training

The Skills Center

The BCI Skills Center is a one-of-a-kind vocational training facility designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Our programs are developed in collaboration with local businesses to align with real workforce needs, while others prepare students for a wide range of job opportunities across industries. Every program is accredited by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, ensuring high-quality instruction and outcomes.

After completing 120 hours of comprehensive training in both hard and soft skills, graduates transition directly into the community workforce—equipped to succeed and earn competitive wages from day one.

QUALIFICATIONS

While each course has its own unique qualifications, some common items would include:

• 18 years of age or older
• Documented disability
• Desire to train for competitive employment
• Strong attention to detail, work ethic, stamina
• Able to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team without one-on-one supervision
• Reside in Missouri in St. Charles or Lincoln County
• Eligible for authorization by Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, Department of Mental Health, Productive Living Board, Community Opportunities, or other funding source
• Able to self-administer medications
• Independent in self-care needs

HISTORY

The BCI Skills Center opened in 2019 in response to a critical gap in vocational training for people with disabilities. Through extensive research, we discovered that most commercial training centers accepted very few students with diagnosed disabilities—and only those who could pass rigorous entrance exams.

When we spoke with local school districts, they confirmed a troubling trend: students with behavioral challenges were often excluded from vo-tech programs, even if they met academic requirements. Instead of meaningful training, they were offered short-term, field trip-style work experiences. Educators also shared concerns about the limited services available after graduation.

We then turned to the individuals themselves—people with disabilities—who told us they wanted the chance to build real skills, gain hands-on experience, and find lasting employment. Local businesses echoed the need for a skilled workforce and expressed interest in inclusive hiring but lacked the tools and knowledge to support employees with disabilities.

Driven by what we learned, we knew something had to change. That’s why we launched the BCI Skills Center—a first-of-its-kind vocational training facility designed to provide practical, accredited programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, the Skills Center bridges the gap between education and employment, creating opportunity for individuals and meeting the growing workforce needs of our community.