When a resident is ready to move from the engaging activity to productive activity, she is introduced to vocational training (VT), which forms part of the rehabilitation programme. The aim of the training is to impart vocational skills to the women that prepare them for a contributive role in the family and community at large and encourage the women eventually to reunite with their families. Vocational skills are taught by professional skills instructors, who assess the skills and interests of each resident and build the training programme based on the individual. The following programmes are some of the favourites amongst The Banyan residents:

    · Tailoring unit
    · Weaving unit
    · Block printing unit
    · Embroidery unit
    · Beautician's course
    · The Banyan Canteen
    · The Banyan Bazaar (craft shop)

Many recovering residents who take an active interest or aptitude in a profession are placed in employment while still living at The Banyan, and their progress is regularly monitored. The vocational programme is also designed to increase the self-confidence of the residents and to encourage them towards a positive self-image, making the women feel that they are in charge of their own lives and able to take responsibility of themselves. Many women from The Banyan are now rehabilitated and gainfully employed in companies that The Banyan has made tie-ups with, such as supermarkets, garment factories, and beauty salons. The Banyan experience has demonstrated that holistic care in a supportive environment can result in successful reintegration into families and communities of homeless mentally ill women.