Tech Prep is based on one simple idea: students, parents, educators, and employers working together to help students graduate prepared for good, high-paying technical jobs.

What is Tech Prep?
Berks County high schools, Berks Career & Technology Center, post-secondary institutions and trade apprenticeships working together to develop a planned program of technical and academic courses for students to pursue careers in a technical field. Working with people from business and industry, secondary and post-secondary schools develop a seamless curriculum of courses, combining at least the final two years of secondary school with two years of post-secondary education which leads to a baccalaureate or associate degree, two-year certificate, or trade apprenticeship.

Who participates?
Berks County high school students who attend or plan to attend Berks Career & Technology Center may participate in Tech Prep.

When does Tech Prep begin?
Planning begins as early as 9th grade. A rigorous education program is put in place for the student combining math, science, and communications with specific advanced technical skills. The technical component can begin in 10th grade in a vocational program at Berks Career & Technology Center.

Where does Tech Prep take place?
Tech Prep begins at the high school and continues with BCTC in a general technology cluster or an advanced technically-specific occupational program.

Why should I consider Tech Prep?
Advances in technology and increasing global competition mean a need for a better skilled workforce with more technical knowledge. To fill high-skill positions employers need employees that are both academically well rounded and technically proficient. Tech Prep grads are well educated and job-ready! It benefits students, parents, schools, and employers in an "everybody wins" situation.

Tech Prep provides a smooth transition between secondary and post-secondary schools with no duplication of courses or loss of credits. Articulation agreements are in place whereby students are already earning college credits through their vocational program at Berks Career & Technology Center.