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.
Recent News
All Skills Center NewsFURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
BCI offers a continuum of employment opportunities. For those who want to work competitively in jobs not provided through the Skills Center, our Competitive Employment program may be a good choice. We are dedicated to finding the right career path for each individual we serve.
Testimonials
We are very grateful to the staff at BCI for helping our son. He is very happy working at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.
I always knew my son Nathan was capable, but no one would give him a chance. Having Autism and being nonverbal can make it so challenging for other people to see your strengths. But now he is working, and we are all so proud of him—and he is very proud of himself! At age 37, it has been a long road for him, but he is finally working full time and is off disability. He also has insurance, a 401k, and more savings than me!
You will never know how grateful our family is for the opportunity that Jacob is stepping into. Thank you for making the process so seamless. It’s people like you who truly make the world a better place.