Empowering Youth Through Skills and Values

St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre offers a wide range of dynamic skills training programmes designed to prepare you for employment both locally and internationally. Many of these courses are delivered in partnership with the Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Training Agency (HEART/NSTA Trust). As a unique advantage, students benefit from the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience right on campus through our various business enterprises.

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Get A Skill Today

Choose from a variety of exciting skills training programmes which can prepare you to enter the workforce both here and abroad

Bosco Meats

Get premium cuts at unbeatable prices! Visit us Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and experience the exceptional taste of locally sourced, sustainable meat.

Bosco Catering

Need to host a wedding reception, graduation, meeting or workshop? We can help!

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Learn. Certify. Work. Your Pathway to Success Starts Here.

Why Choose St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre?

For over 50 years, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre has equipped young Jamaicans with practical skills, certified training, and meaningful work experience — all grounded in Catholic tradition and the Mercy Core Values. In partnership with HEART/NSTA Trust and City & Guilds, we offer regionally and internationally recognized certifications across high-demand fields. Students also gain real-world experience through our on-campus business enterprises. At Bosco, you’ll do more than learn a trade — you’ll grow into a compassionate, capable, and career-ready professional.

Vocational Training

A leading provider of high-quality vocational training and personal development opportunities, empowering rural Jamaican youth with the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s workforce.

Certifications

St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre is proud to offer a wide range of internationally recognized certifications from City & Guilds, designed to prepare students for success in both local and global job markets.

Work Experience

At SJB, students gain real-world, hands-on experience in every vocational skill area, guided by experienced professional trainers who prepare them for the demands of the workforce

Get a Skill

Get job-ready for local and international opportunities with exciting, hands-on training at St. John Bosco! Choose from a range of certified programmes in fields like tourism, agriculture, hospitality, and beauty — all backed by HEART/NSTA Trust. Whether you’re learning one trade or becoming multi-skilled, you’ll gain real experience and expert support every step of the way.

Crop Production

Participants gain hands-on experience in modern, climate-smart farming techniques—such as greenhouse use, irrigation management, and sustainable crop practices—to boost yields and build climate resilience in local communities.

Commercial Food Preparation

Learn essential food safety, knife skills, and culturally responsive meal preparation to pursue careers as Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Pastry Chefs, Caterers, or Culinary Entrepreneurs — all taught through hands-on training in a modern on-site kitchen.

Nail Technician

Trainees will master essential skills in manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, and nail art, preparing them for careers as Nail Technicians, Entrepreneurs, Spa Technicians, or Nail Consultants. Practical training takes place in a fully equipped nail care room.

View All Vocational Courses

Get Certified

With over fifty years of experience in skills training, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre is proud to be one of Jamaica’s approved City & Guilds Centres. We offer certification courses in Mathematics, English, Information Technology, and several vocational areas under the City & Guilds framework. Many of our programmes have already received full approval, while others are currently being processed. Our highly qualified staff are committed to meeting the needs of all students and delivering the curriculum effectively and efficiently. Our course offerings include:

Mathematics

Stage 1 Certificate in Mathematics
Stage 2 Certificate in Mathematics
Stage 3 Certificate in Mathematics

English

Stage 1 Certificate in English
Stage 2 Certificate in English
Stage 3 Certificate in English

Others

Certificate in IT for Office Application
Level 1 Award in Customer Service
Level 2 Award in Customer Service

Diplomas

St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre has proudly served Jamaica for over fifty years, building a strong legacy in skills training and workforce development. As an approved City & Guilds Centre, we provide students with the opportunity to earn internationally recognized Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas across a wide range of disciplines. Our experienced and dedicated staff ensure high-quality delivery and personalized support to help every learner succeed. Our current offerings include:

Level 2 Diploma

Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts
Level 2 Diploma in Food and Beverage services
Level 2 Diploma in Barbering

Level 2 Diploma

Level 3 Advance Diploma in culinary arts and supervision

6th Form Pathway Programmme

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre will offer the 6th Form Pathway Programme as part of the Ministry’s K–13 Strategy. This initiative extends high school to seven years and provides students completing Grade 11 with the opportunity to pursue a two-year course of study that includes both traditional subjects and alternative career-focused pathways. The following programmes are being offered:

Pathway 2: Technical Sixth Form Programme

Entry Requirements

Technical Pathway – Pathway 2

This pathway is designed for students who meet one of the following entry criteria:

Students with no CXC subject passes but who have an NVQ–J Level 2 Certification
Students with an NVQ–J Level 1 Certification

Programme Offered:

NVQ–J / TVET Level 2 in the following areas:

Customer Engagement
Digital Animation
Cake Baking & Decorating

Students in the Technical Pathway will pursue Level 2 certification in a labour market skill of their choice. The programme may be completed within one year, after which students can transition to the Occupational Associate Degree Programme (Traditional Pathway 1C) in Grade 13.

Pathway 3: General Sixth Form Programme

Entry Requirements

Students with No CXC Subject Passes

Students entering without any CXC subject passes can enroll in the General Pathway, which focuses on developing foundational skills and qualifications. This pathway includes:

City & Guilds Basic Proficiency Skills Certification
Exposure to a specialized skill area
Development in key areas leading to NVQ–J Certification
Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills

Students who demonstrate progress and competence may have the opportunity to transfer to the Technical Pathway in Grade 13.

About Us

St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre provides a Catholic Christian environment that is caring, nurturing, and disciplined that enables young adults to grow to their full potential.

Inspired by the charism of the Sisters of Mercy to provide excellent higher education, vocational training, and character formation to enable young men and women to fulfill their career goals and aspirations.

Committed to meeting the current needs of young women and men...

Equal opportunity for all. We will ensure the rights guaranteed by the law and the Jamaican constitution is protected for all citizens regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, colour, national origin, disability, marital status, linguistic background, culture, capability. or geographic location. No student will be excluded from participating in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activities conducted.

The Office of the Principal/Director is designated to coordinate the institution’s response to reports of intolerance which are identified as bias-related incidents.

Proud Member of Mercy Education System of the Americas

Mercy Education unites and serves 55 schools in six countries and one territory. Jamaica proudly host 8 Mercy Schools and one affiliate, dedicated to nurturing highly competent and deeply compassionate leaders ready to serve a vulnerable world.