Horticulture students showed up ready to compete at the FFA Plant/Floral Competition at the PA Farm Show—and they delivered.

With 15+ floral designs entered in a competition featuring 200+ submissions statewide, our students proved they can compete (and win!) on a BIG stage.

🏆 Elena, from Twin Valley, took 1st Place in Table Centerpiece with an unforgettable America’s 250th birthday theme design.
🏆 Liz, from Wilson, earned 1st Place in Corsage & Boutonniere and placed 5th in Bridal Bouquet.

These ribbons represent more than awards—they reflect hours of practice, attention to detail, and creativity under pressure. We’re proud of every student who stepped up, put their skills on display, and represented BCTC with confidence.
about 10 hours ago, BCTC
Smiling student holds a patriotic-themed floral arrangement with red and white flowers in a woven basket at the PA Farm Show, standing beside a first-place ribbon display.
Smiling student holds a boxed floral corsage entry at the PA Farm Show, with a blue “1st” place tag visible on the display label and floral exhibits in the background.
Smiling student holds a large white floral bouquet with greenery at the PA Farm Show; the entry label is visible while floral arrangements are displayed behind her.

⚡ Now Hiring: Part-Time Evening Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor!

BCTC is seeking a qualified electrician to help shape the next generation of skilled professionals in our adult apprenticeship program.

As a Part-Time Evening Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor, you’ll deliver hands-on instruction aligned with industry standards—covering residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems—while helping adult learners build real-world career skills.

If you're ready to share your expertise and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you! For detailed information about this career opportunity or to apply, please visit berkscareer.com/o/ace/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID#458.

about 14 hours ago, BCTC
Graphic reads “We’re Hiring! Continuing Education Electrical Apprentice Instructor (Part-Time, Evenings). Apply now at BerksCareer.com. Application deadline: 01/27/26. E.O.E.” Background shows the front entrance of Berks Career & Technology Center.
Gold across the board! 🥇 BCTC Welding Technology students brought the heat at the SkillsUSA District competitions — and every single one of our competitors walked away with GOLD.

Whether it was welding fabrication (they literally built a submersible), welding sculpture (an original student-designed piece), or traditional welding competition events, our students proved they’re ready for the next level…

🚍 Next stop: States!
In March, they’ll head to Williamsport to represent BCTC at the PA State Championships — and we couldn’t be more excited.

🔗 See how all of our students placed: berkscareer.com/article/2606744
1 day ago, BCTC
Two Berks Career & Technology Center Welding Technology students stand indoors holding a metal submersible welding fabrication project mounted on a rectangular base.
A Berks Career & Technology Center student smiles while holding a metal submersible welding fabrication project in front of a display table inside the school.
A Berks Career & Technology Center student stands in a welding lab holding a welded metal sculpture made from mesh and metal pieces, with welding booths and equipment behind her.

From rust to show-ready! ✨🚜
Cohen, a BCTC Diesel Technology student and Kutztown Area High School sophomore, is bringing a 1948 John Deere B tractor back to life with help from his Kutztown FFA teammates.

This restoration project is the perfect mix of teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world technical skills — and the finished tractor is being showcased at the 2026 PA Farm Show!

🎥 Watch a video of the restoration process + vote for the “Reader’s Choice Award” through January 15: lancasterfarming.com/country-life/fairs-and-shows/watch-the-2026-ffa-pa-farm-show-tractor-restoration-videos/article_597514c8-7b52-43d7-83b4-04058d0231fa.html

🔗 Read the full story: berkscareer.com/article/2630020

2 days ago, BCTC
A Diesel Technology student wearing a camo hat and navy BCTC sweatshirt stands in a diesel lab beside a teal semi-truck, with another truck visible in the background.
Under the hood and into the details. 🔧

Recreational & Power Equipment Technology students were hard at work servicing a snowmobile, practicing hands-on diagnostics, component inspection, and safe tool operation. From engine access to precision bench work, students are building the technical skills needed to maintain and repair today’s recreational vehicles.
5 days ago, BCTC
Student wearing safety glasses works inside a snowmobile’s open engine compartment using a hand tool during a recreational vehicle maintenance lesson.
Student wearing safety glasses uses a powered rotary tool to clean or refine a mechanical part at a workbench in a technical classroom.
Two students inspect internal components of a snowmobile with body panels removed while working together in a technical training lab.
Two students examine a removed mechanical component at a red workbench as part of a hands-on equipment service activity.
🚒 Pushing past the standard.

Protective Services students are training in SCBA gear — the self-contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters — to challenge themselves and build real-world readiness.

Adding the extra weight and limited airflow helps strengthen endurance, focus, and confidence for future emergency response careers.

🔗 Read more: berkscareer.com/article/2623124
6 days ago, BCTC
Four students in firefighting gear and air tanks hold plank positions on an outdoor asphalt area, smiling toward the camera, with a brick school building and parked cars in the background.
Students wearing firefighting training gear and air tanks perform overhead triceps stretches on an outdoor asphalt surface, with a brick school building in the background.
Students in firefighting training gear walk while stretching their legs, each holding one foot behind them, during an outdoor warm-up near a brick building.
Students wearing firefighting gear and air tanks perform push-ups on an asphalt surface during an outdoor physical training exercise, with parked vehicles and a school building behind them.
Students wearing firefighting training gear and air tanks run together across a parking lot during an outdoor fitness exercise, with school buildings, vehicles, and a partly cloudy sky visible.
📈 From Classroom to Boardroom — Almost!

Business Management & Entrepreneurship students ran their first Virtual Enterprises International trade show of the school year — presenting their companies, helping classmates “shop” online, and putting their customer service and leadership skills to the test.

By the end of the day, 235 students helped generate $588,154 in virtual revenue!
7 days ago, BCTC
Two Business Management & Entrepreneurship students smile at the camera while sitting and kneeling beside a classroom table with laptops. Other students are visible working in the background during the Virtual Enterprises trade show activity.
Students sit in rows at long tables working on laptops inside a BCTC classroom, while Business Management & Entrepreneurship students stand nearby to assist. The BCTC logo and American flag are visible on the wall in the background.
A large classroom at Berks Career & Technology Center filled with students sitting at tables working on laptops. Several Business Management & Entrepreneurship students stand and assist their peers around the room. The setting is bright and modern with gray tables, office chairs, and BCTC signage on the wall.
Three female students stand side-by-side smiling and holding up their smartphones toward the camera, each displaying an online shopping screen. Two students are wearing green medical scrubs and one is wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt. They appear to be participating as customers in the Virtual Enterprises trade show.
A group of male students sit at a classroom table focused on their laptops while completing an online purchasing activity. They are wearing gray work shirts and casual clothing, and appear engaged in the Virtual Enterprises trade show assignment.
🧱 Masonry Co-Op Success — In Action!

Owen, a Masonry student from Daniel Boone, isn’t just learning the trade — he’s living it through his co-op with Zook Masonry, gaining real-world experience on the job site and building a strong foundation for his future career.

He’s also stacking up achievements along the way through SkillsUSA — earning 2nd place at Nationals last year and 1st place at Districts this year, with hopes of returning to Atlanta.

🔗 Read more: https://www.berkscareer.com/article/2604358
8 days ago, BCTC
A student in a construction training lab uses a level to check the alignment of a partially built masonry wall made of concrete blocks and bricks, with tools and stacked bricks visible in the background.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology center will operate a virtual learning day, 12/23/2025. The campuses will be closed for in person learning. Students are expected to log into Schoology at their regular class time for further instructions from their teacher. Thank you and stay safe.

23 days ago, BCTC
A snow-covered rural road stretches into the distance, lined with tall trees coated in fresh snow. Some trees still have clusters of brown leaves. Power lines run along the right side of the road. In the foreground, a teal rectangular banner displays white text that reads, “BCTC WILL OPERATE A VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY.”
Small Change. Big Impact. 💙 Through the organization of our HOSA chapters’ Pilgrim fundraiser, BCTC students raised $1,703.20 in support of Helping Harvest.

As the holiday season approaches—a time when food insecurity can feel even more urgent—this support helps ensure families across Berks and Schuylkill county have access to nourishing meals when they need them most.

This effort is a powerful reminder that service and compassion are always in season. We’re proud of our HOSA students for leading with heart and helping bring comfort, dignity, and hope to local families during the holidays. 💙
26 days ago, BCTC
Group of Berks Career & Technology Center HOSA students and staff standing indoors in front of a wall sign reading “Berks Career & Technology Center,” holding an oversized donation check for $1,703.20 made out to Helping Harvest as part of a Pilgrim fundraiser.
HOSA students from Berks Career & Technology Center stand with a Helping Harvest representative and staff members in front of a “Berks Career & Technology Center” wall sign, presenting an oversized check for $1,703.20 raised through their Pilgrim fundraiser.
BCTC Shines at SkillsUSA District 4! 🎉 BCTC Students recently demonstrated their technical expertise, professionalism, and career readiness at the SkillsUSA District 4 competitions hosted at Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center. From hands-on challenges to real-world problem-solving, our students showed what CTE excellence looks like!

👏 Join us in congratulating the BCTC students who earned top placements — and wish luck to those advancing to the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership & Skills Conference in Hershey this April!

🔗 Read the full story & see all results: berkscareer.com/article/2606744
27 days ago, BCTC
SkillsUSA logo on a dark blue background, featuring stylized white stripes above the words “SkillsUSA” and the tagline “Champions at Work.”

🏆🚛 BCTC students delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Diesel Technology Competition hosted by the Pennsylvania College of Technology, earning both individual awards and 1st Place Overall as a team.

Competing in hands-on, industry-aligned challenges, students demonstrated advanced technical skills, precision, and problem-solving abilities that reflect real-world diesel and heavy equipment service environments. Their success also brought $5,000 in tool and training funding back to BCTC’s Diesel Technology program—supporting continued hands-on learning for future students.

Individual student achievements and full competition results can be found at berkscareer.com/article/2604536.

28 days ago, BCTC
A group of Diesel Technology students, instructors, and industry representatives stand inside a diesel training facility holding a large ceremonial check for $5,000 made out to Berks Career & Technology Center Diesel. A semi-truck and competition signage are visible in the background, marking the award presentation following a diesel technology competition.
It’s all in the details. 🔨✨

Carpentry students are installing interior trim inside the student-built house, focusing on precision, alignment, and clean lines that define each room. This stage highlights the craftsmanship and attention required to move a project forward—one measured cut at a time.
29 days ago, BCTC
Carpentry students wearing hard hats measure the width of a window opening inside the student-built house, preparing for interior trim installation.
Two carpentry students measure and mark a long piece of interior trim positioned on a miter saw stand inside the student-built house.
A carpentry student wearing safety glasses and a hard hat positions interior trim on a miter saw, preparing to make a precise cut.
Two carpentry students kneel beneath a window while installing interior trim, using a nail gun and hand tools to secure the piece in place.
Two carpentry students kneel beneath a window while installing interior trim, using a nail gun and hand tools to secure the piece in place.
A carpentry student wearing a hard hat uses a nail gun to secure trim around an interior door frame inside the student-built house.
Two carpentry students smile toward the camera while positioning interior trim beneath a window during installation.
Helping the Holidays Happen 🎁
Health Occupations students spent the day at Berks Heim supporting Santa’s Corner—an event that allows residents to shop at no cost for holiday gifts for the people they love.

From helping residents find the perfect present to wrapping gifts and sharing meaningful moments, students played a key role in making the day special. It was hands-on, heart-forward, and full of holiday cheer—showing that care, connection, and community are just as important as clinical skills.
about 1 month ago, BCTC
Group photo of Health Occupations students and instructors wearing festive holiday sweaters, posing together in a decorated common area with a colorful balloon arch and holiday decorations.
Three Health Occupations students stand behind a table with holiday gift bags, smiling at the camera in a festively decorated room.
Three Health Occupations students wearing holiday headbands sit behind a table covered with stacks of holiday greeting cards and envelopes, smiling at the camera.
Group photo of Health Occupations students and staff seated and standing around a decorated chair, posing under a colorful balloon arch in a common area.
Large group of Health Occupations students and a staff member pose together indoors, wearing holiday attire and smiling in front of festive decorations.
Four staff members stand side by side beneath a colorful balloon arch, smiling and wearing holiday-themed clothing.
Two Health Occupations students sit behind a table covered with holiday cards and envelopes, smiling at the camera in a room with bookshelves in the background.
Two Health Occupations students stand beside a round table displaying small holiday gift items and figurines, smiling in a hallway decorated for the holidays.
Group of Health Occupations students pose together in front of a balloon arch, wearing festive sweaters and holiday accessories.
Large group of Health Occupations students and a staff member kneel and stand together, smiling in a festively decorated common space.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay on 12/15/2025. Thank you.

about 1 month ago, BCTC
Snow-covered rural road with tire tracks leading into the distance, lined by trees coated in snow and a utility pole with wires overhead. A large teal rectangle in the foreground contains white text that reads: “BCTC is on a 2-hour delay.”
Sleighing the final touches ✨

From refreshed color and clean shaping to festive nails and makeup, BCTC Cosmetology students are sleighing every detail that brings holiday looks together.

⏰ Next Friday is the last opportunity to book before the holidays.
View services and scheduling details at berkscareer.com/page/salon.
about 1 month ago, BCTC
Two cosmetology students apply hair color to a client’s hair at a shampoo bowl, carefully sectioning and saturating strands in a classroom salon.
A cosmetology student uses a curling iron to style a client’s hair, creating defined curls while both face the camera in a salon classroom.
A cosmetology student blow-dries a client’s hair while the client sits in a salon chair wearing a black cape, with other students working in the background.
A cosmetology student smiles while holding festive nail art designs displayed on small practice nails in a classroom salon.
A cosmetology student trims a client’s hair using clippers at the back of the head in a classroom salon setting.
A cosmetology student smiles while holding festive nail art designs displayed on small practice nails in a classroom salon.
A cosmetology student applies eye makeup to a seated client wearing a pink salon cape, with styling stations visible behind them.
A cosmetology student smiles while holding festive nail art designs displayed on small practice nails in a classroom salon.
From baking with her mom at age five to becoming the head cook at Coventry Parlor at Laurel Locks, Culinary Arts student and Boyertown senior Sarah is already running a busy from-scratch kitchen. She balances co-op, online classes, sports, and even her own custom cake business — all with big goals on the horizon.

Next stop? A three-year culinary contract with Crystal, an ultra-luxury cruise line, where she’ll train, bake, and see the world before returning home to open her own bakery.

📖 Read her full story: berkscareer.com/article/2594196
about 1 month ago, BCTC
A high school student wearing glasses and a maroon Coventry Parlor at Laurel Locks hoodie smiles while cutting cookie dough in a commercial kitchen. She stands at a stainless-steel counter dusted with flour, using a rolling pin, scraper, and cookie cutters to shape the dough. A tray of unbaked cookies sits behind her, and shelves with kitchen tools, bowls, and equipment are visible in the background.

Saving Lives With A Little Holiday Mischief! 💚 Madison, Jocelyn, Lillianna, and Emma from Health Occupations brought Whoville spirit to campus as they hosted a Grinch-themed blood drive benefiting Miller-Keystone Blood Bank!

Even with today’s wintery mix, 43 pints were collected, thanks to the generosity of BCTC students and staff who rolled up their sleeves to help others this holiday season. ❤️🩸

A huge shout-out to everyone who helped make hearts grow more than three sizes today!

about 1 month ago, BCTC
Four Health Occupations students pose together wearing matching “Merry Grinchmas” shirts and festive headbands. They stand in front of decorated classroom doors with holiday garland and miniature Christmas trees.
A student sits confidently in a reclining donation chair after giving blood, holding snacks including a bag of chips and an apple stress ball. The setting is a decorated classroom with holiday lights and a Christmas tree blurred in the background.
A student reclines in a donation chair, smiling while holding a juice box and squeezing a red stress ball. Other donors and staff are visible in the softly blurred background under hanging holiday decorations.
A student wearing a BCTC shirt sits in a donation chair with a blue bandage on his arm, holding a snack. Bright classroom windows and lab equipment appear in the background.
A student in a red hoodie reclines in a donation chair, smiling with a drink and snack resting on her lap. Large classroom windows and equipment storage racks are visible in the background.
A student with red hair reclines in a donation chair, smiling slightly while holding paperwork. The classroom background includes windows, chairs, and light holiday décor.
A student reclines in a donation chair with an IV in his arm, holding a stress ball while hugging a large stuffed cow. Classroom windows and carts are visible in the background.
A student reclines in a donation chair smiling with a plush stuffed llama across his lap. Classroom windows and lab equipment are seen in the background.
A student wearing glasses reclines in a donation chair smiling, with a flannel jacket draped over their lap. Other students and donors are visible in the background.
A student reclines in a donation chair with an IV in his arm while a healthcare worker assists beside him. He holds a water bottle and a wrapped ham on his lap. Holiday lights and a decorated tree are visible in the background.
Flip It. Fix It. Make It Fabulous! 🎨 Residential Painting & Interior Design students are turning tired furniture into fresh finds for Habitat for Humanity’s Berks ReStore — one brushstroke at a time!

From scuffed to stunning, these makeovers give each piece a second life and support a great cause. 💛
about 1 month ago, BCTC
A student wearing safety glasses, a headband, and a red Berks Career & Technology Center shirt paints a dark-colored desk in a workshop. The desk has multiple drawers with gold knobs, and paint supplies are visible in the background.
Two students pose beside a refinished cabinet with gray paint and patterned paper accents. One student stands while the other kneels and installs a drawer pull. Both wear safety glasses and paint-splattered pants in a studio environment.
Two Residential Painting & Interior Design students stand beside a dark-painted cabinet. One student kneels inside the cabinet applying patterned paper to the back panel while the other stands smiling with safety glasses on. Both wear paint-splattered clothing in a workshop setting.
Two students stand beside a tall teal cabinet with decorative trim. One holds the door open while the other sands the surface. Both wear safety glasses and paint-marked work clothes in a classroom workshop.
Two students sand a wooden dresser, smiling toward the camera. One kneels while the other stands with sanding tools in hand. The workshop background includes refinished furniture pieces and paint supplies.
Holiday Giving in Action at BCTC! ✨ This season, both BCTC campuses proudly hosted Angel Trees in partnership with the Salvation Army — creating opportunities for students and staff to purchase gifts of new clothing and toys for local children and seniors.

But the giving didn’t stop there!

Seventeen National Technical Honor Society students also headed to the Salvation Army warehouse, rolling up their sleeves to sort, organize, and move donations that will soon reach families across our community. 📦
about 1 month ago, BCTC
A large group of students poses in a warehouse sitting and kneeling beside stacks of oversized red donation bags. They are smiling and surrounded by rows of sorted gift bags marked with category labels on the walls.
Three students stand beside a shopping cart inside a warehouse, placing a large red bag inside it. Shelves, clothing racks, and other volunteers are visible in the background as they help sort donations.
Three students are inside a warehouse sorting holiday donations. Two students stand while one sits on a wrapped box, all smiling. Large decorated gift bags and section signs on wire partitions are visible behind them.
Multiple students unload holiday donation bags from a vehicle outside a warehouse loading dock. They are carrying gift bags and packages while working together around a large red cart full of donations.
A group of nine students stand outside a warehouse beside a large cart filled with holiday-themed gift bags. They are smiling for the photo with the building and loading dock ramps visible behind them.
A group of students stands inside a warehouse surrounded by holiday donation items. They are smiling and pushing donation carts filled with wrapped gifts and winter clothing, with rows of items visible behind them.
Four students stand inside a warehouse among stacks of wrapped toys and bags. They are smiling while surrounded by colorful holiday donations including boxes, bags, and gift sets.