Whether they’re applying brick to the fireplace or laying tile and grout for a bathroom floor, students are putting their skills to work on real features of a real home. Every task calls for precision, patience, and craftsmanship—and our students are rising to the challenge.
⚙️ Already Making His Mark in Manufacturing
Precision & Computerized Machining Technology student Owen, a senior from Tulpehocken Area High School, is gaining real-world experience through a co-op at Reading Bakery Systems, machining parts and building skills that power today’s manufacturing industry.
Hands-on learning. Real equipment. Real opportunities.
🔗 Read Owen’s story:
berkscareer.com/article/2726528
Service Occupations students recently attended the Employability Expo, where they participated in mock interviews designed to help them prepare for future job opportunities.
Throughout the event, students practiced introducing themselves, answering common interview questions, and speaking about their skills with professionals. It was a valuable opportunity to apply the employability skills they’ve been developing in class in a supportive, real-world setting.
Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, gaining confidence and experience along the way.
Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC) is seeking a motivated Cosmetology Instructor who is passionate about preparing the next generation of beauty professionals. This role focuses on hands-on instruction—guiding students as they develop the technical skills and confidence needed to pass the State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam before graduation.
The ideal candidate brings strong industry experience, a commitment to student success, and the ability to create a positive, collaborative classroom environment where students can build real-world skills and prepare for careers in the cosmetology field. A Pennsylvania State Cosmetology Teacher License is required, along with Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General (or eligibility to obtain it).
If you’re ready to share your expertise and make a lasting impact in the classroom, we’d love to hear from you. Full details and application information are available at www.berkscareer.com/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID# 467.
Health Occupations students Skymar, Mayte, Ava, and Hanah recently brought a little St. Patrick’s Day spirit to campus by organizing a themed blood drive for the Miller-Keystone Blood Center.
Thanks to their hard work and the generosity of donors, the drive collected 36 units of blood—helping provide lifesaving support to patients in need across our community. 🍀💉
📌 Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant to Student Services
Are you looking for a fulfilling (and fast-paced) career where your skills truly make a difference? BCTC is hiring an Administrative Assistant to Student Services — a vital role that helps keep students, staff, and programs running smoothly each day.
This position is ideal for someone who’s organized, detail-driven, and confident juggling priorities in a busy environment. If you thrive on supporting others, staying one step ahead, and solving day-to-day challenges with professionalism and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you.
For detailed information about this career opportunity or to apply, please visit www.berkscareer.com/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID#466.
Automotive Technology students put their skills to the test at the Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition—and drove away with 2nd place!
Congratulations to Andrew and Haylie, both from Boyertown Area Senior High School, for representing BCTC and demonstrating the diagnostic and repair skills they’ve been building in the lab.
Competing against top technical students from across the region, they tackled a series of hands-on automotive challenges that put their training to work in real time.
From design to press! 🖥️➡️🖨️
Advertising Art & Design Technology students recently got a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when creative work goes to print. Thanks to the Susquehanna Litho Club, students toured Prestige Color in Lancaster, exploring professional printing equipment and connecting with local commercial printers.
Seeing the process firsthand helped bring the print production side of design to life and showed students where their creativity can take them next. 🎨
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay, today 03/03/26. Please check the "Nurses / Attendance" page on the homepage of our website for full details of expectations based on your sending school district. Failure to complete the listed expectations will result in an unexcused absence for the day. Thank you.
Students recently had a front-row view of major electrical infrastructure in action as I.B. Abel completed part of a nearly four-mile transmission line project for a new FirstEnergy substation near Reading Regional Airport.
The highlight? Watching a helicopter use guide ropes to install transmission lines—an unforgettable look at how large-scale electrical systems are built. The project will boost reliability for more than 6,000 customers and support continued growth in the region.
Thank you to I.B. Abel for sharing their expertise and taking time to speak with our students about the work, the technology, and the careers behind it.
Masonry students put their skills to the test with a hands-on brick arch project that combined precision, planning, and creativity. Each student “rolled for the rise,” determining a unique arch height and design before building custom forms and supports.
One student took it even further, constructing a walk-through Gothic arch inspired by medieval castles—proof that no two builds (or challenges) are ever the same.
Engineering in Action! ⚙️
Mechatronics Engineering Technology students had an exciting and hands-on day at Alvernia University’s Engineering Jam 2026! As part of Engineering Week, this interactive event brought together high school teams to tackle real engineering design challenges, collaborate with peers, share creative solutions, and put their projects to the test — all while learning from Alvernia faculty, engineering students, and industry partners.
From pitching ideas and building prototypes to solving engineering problems and exploring opportunities in STEM fields, our students represented BCTC with curiosity, teamwork, and innovation.
❤️🩸 Share the Love
From planning to execution, Hailey and Kaitlyn—third-year Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students from Fleetwood—took charge of hosting a “Share the Love” blood drive in support of the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania.
Led as part of their senior project, the student-led effort collected more than 50 units of blood. Inspired by personal connections to loved ones battling cancer, their work turned care into action and made a meaningful, lifesaving impact.
Our digital, cashless raffle is officially live—and packed with some seriously exciting prizes!
Even better? Every ticket purchased helps support hands-on learning experiences and student opportunities at Berks Career & Technology Center.
👉 Enter here: go.rallyup.com/bctcttf2026/Campaign/Details
And don’t forget—Tech + Talent Fest is happening NEXT WEEK! Join us March 3 (West Campus) or March 4 (East Campus) from 5–8 PM to see our programs in action, explore student projects, and experience what learning looks like when it comes to life.
Precision and Computerized Machining Technology students recently toured Brentwood Industries, where they saw advanced machining, automated systems, and quality control processes in action—connecting their training to real-world manufacturing.
A standout moment: meeting BCTC alumni now working at Brentwood and hearing firsthand how their path from PCMT led directly into the industry.
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology center will operate a virtual learning day, tomorrow 2/23/2026. The campuses will be closed for in person learning. Students are expected to log into Schoology and complete an assignment from their instructor. Failure to complete this assignment by 3:00pm will result in an unexcused absence for the day. Thank you.
Video & Media Content Production students are making their voices heard in the statewide Prevent Suicide PA Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest—an annual competition that challenges high school students to create powerful 30–60 second videos promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
After advancing through initial judging, 3 teams are now in the final round of public voting. Their PSAs focus on hope, connection, and support.
🗳️ Public voting is open through March 6, 2026. Help amplify student voices by watching the PSAs and voting daily: psa.preventsuicidepa.org/2026-public-voting-videos
We were proud to host our second Construction & Transportation Career Day, bringing together students, educators, and local business and industry partners under one roof.
Students connected directly with employers to explore career pathways and industry expectations, while younger learners gained insight into the opportunities available in construction and transportation fields. Employers also had the chance to see firsthand the skills students are developing every day at BCTC—and to start meaningful conversations about future careers.
A big thank you to our industry partners for investing their time, expertise, and support in our students and programs.
Meet Billy, a senior Automotive Technology student who’s shifting gears and accelerating his career through hands-on learning! Through his co-op at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, Billy is gaining real experience working on advanced lighting systems and electrical integrations in vehicles — including complex installs on police vehicles. His co-op experience isn’t just classroom theory — it’s real work, real skills, and real confidence as he prepares to graduate with a job waiting for him.
📲 Read the full story here: berkscareer.com/article/2662883
