The linen mills and shipbuilding gantries dominated the industrial landscape of the city and, to a certain degree, other industries perhaps seemed to be overshadowed by their prominence. A skilled workforce was also needed to service a whole host of trades and industries, ranging from domestic science to house construction.
Once again the College rose to the occasion providing a staggering array of training opportunities for men and women including instruction in mechanical engineering, enamelling and metal work, bakery skills, housekeeping, sign writing etc.
The valuable role of training women for skilled employment was incorporated into the College from the very beginning. Whilst there was a Women’s Work Department where they could achieve a Housekeeping Certificate upon completion of the course, women could also enrol on other courses as is evidenced by the women on enamelling and metal work courses in the early 1900s above.
When the College was built in the early 1900s heavy industry predominated. In collaboration with major foundries such as Coombe Barbour apprentices were instructed in this highly skilled and dangerous trade.
As the College was at the heart of Belfast industry the Central Hall was often put to good use as an exhibition centre. Later, in the 1930s, new electrical goods were often the key items on show.
All parts of the College were used as is depicted by this image (right) from 1913 where the roof was used to demonstrate a plumbing system.
A group of students being instructed in a signwriting class c. 1914. Students would be trained to enable them to illustrate books, design greeting cards, paint shop and other signs and enter a workforce as accomplished artists.
Foundry Work. From a 1960s prospectus.
Enamelling and metal work in 1909.
There were also a range of opportunities for women to excel in the more traditional crafts such as dressmaking and millinery.
The College was capable of providing education and training in almost all aspects of working life. Young bakers being presented awards in the fully functioning college bakery.
Mechanical engineering workshop with the most modern equipment of the day newly installed in 1911.