TECH PREP IN PENNSYLVANIA

Technology in Pennsylvania is dramatically changing the way we live and work. In the drive to 
stay competitive in a global marketplace, business and industry need more agile minds filled with 
advanced knowledge and skills in science, mathematics and technology. The Tech Prep program 
offers a unique and desirable addition to the current array of education opportunities in the 
Commonwealth. The Tech Prep program is designed for students not taking part in the traditional 
college preparatory program, but who desire advanced training in a technological field. It is 
designed to improve students' academic and technical preparation to help them cope with a rapidly 
changing workplace. By injecting more rigor into the academic curriculum and focusing on 
technology clusters, students will have greater opportunities, based on their career goals. Tech Prep 
will provide students with the skills relevant to today's business and technology and is necessary to 
make a smooth transition into the workplace, community college, university or branch campus.

TECH PREP IN BERKS COUNTY

When students in Berks County graduate from high school, their future goals will include one of the 
following plans:

    1.     to attend a four-year college
    2.     to attend a two-year community college or technical school
    3.     to pursue military training
    4.     to enter a career area immediately

Already in place is an effective curriculum, designed to meet the needs of students, who plan to 
attend a four-year college. The purpose of the Tech Prep program in Berks County is to provide a 
parallel curriculum focus for those students who plan to attend a two-year community college/technical 
school or immediately enter a career upon graduation.

Provided for each technology cluster is a suggested program of study which includes those 
academic courses, which will best prepare the student for future success. This focus allows the student 
to take advantage of those educational opportunities provided at the high school level, which are most 
directly related to his or her career goal.

By providing a career focus and an applied academic foundation at an early stage in a student's high 
school career, the Tech Prep program offers a variety of opportunities, rather than imposing limitations. 
If students' plans change, their academic preparation and technical focus will provide to be a valuable 
asset in any alternative curriculum pursuit.

On the next two pages you will find a recommended course sequence for the Career Cluster and 
Advanced Technology cluster. These are guidelines only.

SPECIFIC SCHEDULES MUST BE ASSIGNED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SENDING SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT.

TECH PREP FOUR-YEAR COURSE SEQUENCE

Cluster: Career Technology

CAREER TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Auto Collision Repair Technology Culinary Arts Masonry
Automotive Technology Dental Occupations Microcomputer Technology
Building Construction Occupations Design Drafting Technology Occupational Child Development
Cabinetmaking Electrical Occupations Painting/Decorating
Carpentry Health Occupations Plumbing and Heating
Commercial Art Heating/Ventilation/AC Commercial Photography
Horticulture Recreational & Power Equipment Welding
Cosmetology Machinist/Toolmaker

Berks Career and Technology Center is creating a growing list of post secondary schools in which 
our graduates can gain advanced credits and/or placement. A partial list follows:

Allentown Business College
Alvernia College
Automotive Training Center
Berks Technical Institute
Home Builders Association Apprenticeship
Lehigh County Community College
Lincoln Technical Institute
Luzerne County Community College
Northampton County Community College
Northwestern College
PA College of Technology
Penn State, Berks-Lehigh Valley Campus
Pennsylvania School of Art and Design
Reading Area Community College
Vale Technical Institute

TECH PREP FOUR-YEAR COURSE SEQUENCE1

Cluster: Advanced Technology

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

Data Processing
Drafting Design Technology
Electronics
Health Occupations
Robotics & Automation Technology

CREDIT THROUGH ARTICULATION

Berks Career and Technology Center is creating a growing list of post secondary schools in which 
our graduates can gain advanced credits and/or placement. A partial list follows:

Allentown Business College
Alvernia College
Automotive Training Center
Berks Technical Institute
Home Builders Association Apprenticeship
Lehigh County Community College
Lincoln Technical Institute
Luzerne County Community College
Northampton County Community College
Northwestern College
PA College of Technology
Penn State, Berks-Lehigh Valley Campus
Pennsylvania School of Art and Design
Reading Area Community College
Vale Technical Institute

The Berks Career and Technology Center Guidance Department should be contacted for details.

It is the policy of the Berks Career and Technology Center not to discriminate on the basis of sex, 
handicap, race or national origin in its vocational programs, activities, or employment as required 
by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Section 504 
or Title VI should be directed to the Office of the Director (610) 378-4884.

BCTC's Student Handbook is subject to change without notice.  To obtain the most recent copy of the BCTC Student Handbook, please contact the campus office.