Belfast Central Training Limited was established in 1978 to provide vocational and educational training for people who were unemployed or were entering the labour market for the first time. Until 1990, the company was known as Voluntary Services Youth Workshop Ltd. It has been located in Donegall Street in Central Belfast since 1990 and currently occupies ground floor premises in a modern suite opposite the Irish News building, and just up from the Belfast Telegraph in the Cathedral Quarter.

A fully equipped new modern hairdressing and beauty training salon has recently been opened which is all based in Donegall St.

Since then, thousands of people have taken advantage of the facilities available in our Donegall Street premises.

The company provides training services to over one hundred trainees spread across Catering, Hairdressing, Beauty, Retail and Warehousing. Trainees can also receive training in Essential Skills supplementary to their vocational training. BCT has a range of training facilities including a state-of-the-art modern Computer Suite with broadband access.

BCT implements the Jobskills, New deal and Modern Apprenticeships training programmes in partnership with the Department for Employment and Learning. The Centre is cross-community in ethos and practice and provides its training services to trainees from all over Belfast.

Many of our students have progressed their careers in the catering, retail and hairdressing sectors and have gone on to positions of considerable responsibility. Our approach to vocational training is one that is appreciated by not just our trainees - past and present. Their families also appreciate our personal approach. We like to get to know our trainees, take a high level of interest in their personal and vocational development and do all we can to help them find suitable employment when that time comes around.

Our staff are all training professionals who have experience in their respective subject areas and are experienced in working with young people.

Our administration office is also run by experienced team who place the individual trainee's well being at the centre of their day to day responsibilities.