Diploma First. Kansas Next. 🚜🌾 For Heavy Equipment Operations senior Austin, graduation night is just the starting line.
After receiving his diploma, Austin is heading more than 1,200 miles west to Kansas to join Froese Brothers Harvesting and get to work with a national harvest crew.
Austin has spent the past two years building real-world skills through BCTC’s Heavy Equipment Operations program, including serving as a student supervisor at the quarry. Now, he’s taking that experience from the quarry to the combine as he helps harvest wheat, corn, and sorghum across the Midwest.
Big equipment. Long days. A dream worth chasing.
Read the full story: berkscareer.com/article/2956080
After receiving his diploma, Austin is heading more than 1,200 miles west to Kansas to join Froese Brothers Harvesting and get to work with a national harvest crew.
Austin has spent the past two years building real-world skills through BCTC’s Heavy Equipment Operations program, including serving as a student supervisor at the quarry. Now, he’s taking that experience from the quarry to the combine as he helps harvest wheat, corn, and sorghum across the Midwest.
Big equipment. Long days. A dream worth chasing.
Read the full story: berkscareer.com/article/2956080
Summer training is almost here — and so is the discount deadline.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education summer programs begin June 15, but the early registration discount ends June 1.
Adult learners can choose from:
Carpentry Technology 🪚 Build practical skills in residential construction, woodworking, safety, tool use, framing, and finishing.
Heavy Equipment Operations 🚜 Train on equipment used on active job sites while learning safety, maintenance, soil compaction, rigging basics, and job site skills.
Two programs. One summer. A whole lot of hands-on learning.
Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education summer programs begin June 15, but the early registration discount ends June 1.
Adult learners can choose from:
Carpentry Technology 🪚 Build practical skills in residential construction, woodworking, safety, tool use, framing, and finishing.
Heavy Equipment Operations 🚜 Train on equipment used on active job sites while learning safety, maintenance, soil compaction, rigging basics, and job site skills.
Two programs. One summer. A whole lot of hands-on learning.
Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
Cue the Applause! 👏 This week, the Joint Operations Committee celebrated 80 BCTC students who earned first, second, or third place finishes in regional and state competitions throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
The evening also recognized four graduating seniors as recipients of the 2026 JOC Scholarships.
From competition floors to scholarship honors, our students gave us so much to celebrate this year.
The evening also recognized four graduating seniors as recipients of the 2026 JOC Scholarships.
From competition floors to scholarship honors, our students gave us so much to celebrate this year.
A Showcase Written in the Stars 🚀 Computerized Machining Technology students brought their NASA HUNCH project to the spotlight at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s The Dinner, Berks County’s largest gathering of business leaders.
With this year’s space-themed showcase highlighting local companies connected to NASA, our students had the perfect opportunity to share how their work is building real skills, real confidence, and real connections to industry.
And yes… they met Astronaut Mike Massimino. 🌟
From the shop floor to a room full of Berks County leaders, this was one stellar night!
With this year’s space-themed showcase highlighting local companies connected to NASA, our students had the perfect opportunity to share how their work is building real skills, real confidence, and real connections to industry.
And yes… they met Astronaut Mike Massimino. 🌟
From the shop floor to a room full of Berks County leaders, this was one stellar night!
Big machines. Real skills. One hands-on summer. 🚜
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education Heavy Equipment Operations Summer Program puts adult learners behind the controls while building the skills used on active job sites.
Students will train on equipment including skid steers, compact track loaders, wheel loaders, backhoes, and excavators while learning safety practices, equipment terminology, preventative maintenance, rigging basics, soil compaction, and more.
The program wraps up with a hands-on job site simulation at the BCTC Quarry, giving students the chance to put their training to work in a real-world setting.
Classes begin June 15, and the early registration discount ends June 1. ⏰ Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education Heavy Equipment Operations Summer Program puts adult learners behind the controls while building the skills used on active job sites.
Students will train on equipment including skid steers, compact track loaders, wheel loaders, backhoes, and excavators while learning safety practices, equipment terminology, preventative maintenance, rigging basics, soil compaction, and more.
The program wraps up with a hands-on job site simulation at the BCTC Quarry, giving students the chance to put their training to work in a real-world setting.
Classes begin June 15, and the early registration discount ends June 1. ⏰ Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
The big night has arrived, BCTC! ✨ Tonight, we celebrate the Class of 2026 and the moments, milestones, and hard work that brought them here.
Doors open at 5:30 PM. Guests, please have your ticket ready for entry.
Additional event information can be found at berkscareer.com/o/bctc/page/senior-recognition.
For family, friends, and supporters cheering from home, the live-stream link can be found here: youtube.com/live/1QFii4a2-Yw
Big night. Big cheers. Big BCTC celebration.
Red, White & Refinished 🇺🇸 Automotive Collision Repair Technology students gave a bold patriotic finish to their latest project!
From repairing and restoring the truck bed and body to painting the truck and adding the red, white, and blue decals, students had their hands on every step of the process. The final result is a sharp reminder of what happens when technical skill, creativity, and pride in craftsmanship come together.
Reminder: In observance of Memorial Day, BCTC will be closed to all students from May 22 through May 25.
From repairing and restoring the truck bed and body to painting the truck and adding the red, white, and blue decals, students had their hands on every step of the process. The final result is a sharp reminder of what happens when technical skill, creativity, and pride in craftsmanship come together.
Reminder: In observance of Memorial Day, BCTC will be closed to all students from May 22 through May 25.
Turning Pages Into Possibilities 📚
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students recently wrapped up their book drive in support of the Schuylkill Valley Community Library. Throughout the drive, students collected gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles to help provide access to reading, learning, and resources for community members of all ages.
Every book makes a difference, and thanks to the generosity of our school community, these donations will help keep that difference going beyond BCTC.
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students recently wrapped up their book drive in support of the Schuylkill Valley Community Library. Throughout the drive, students collected gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles to help provide access to reading, learning, and resources for community members of all ages.
Every book makes a difference, and thanks to the generosity of our school community, these donations will help keep that difference going beyond BCTC.
One week away from a big BCTC night! ⭐ The countdown is on for BCTC’s Senior Recognition Ceremony, where we will celebrate the Class of 2026 and all they have worked toward.
From proud families in the audience to supporters cheering from home, event information and the live-stream link can be found at: berkscareer.com/o/bctc/page/senior-recognition
One week to go. A whole lot to celebrate.
From proud families in the audience to supporters cheering from home, event information and the live-stream link can be found at: berkscareer.com/o/bctc/page/senior-recognition
One week to go. A whole lot to celebrate.
The Heart of the House, Student-Made 🛠️
A kitchen is where a house starts to feel like home, and Cabinetry & Wood Technology students helped make that happen at the Student-Built House.
Students created and installed a custom island to complement the custom cabinets already in place throughout the home. Piece by piece, their craftsmanship is turning the kitchen into a space made for gathering, learning, and showing what BCTC skills can do.
Custom cabinets. Custom island. Student-made from the ground up.
A kitchen is where a house starts to feel like home, and Cabinetry & Wood Technology students helped make that happen at the Student-Built House.
Students created and installed a custom island to complement the custom cabinets already in place throughout the home. Piece by piece, their craftsmanship is turning the kitchen into a space made for gathering, learning, and showing what BCTC skills can do.
Custom cabinets. Custom island. Student-made from the ground up.
Your summer project? Building new skills.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education Summer Carpentry Technology program is designed for adult learners ready to get hands-on with residential construction and woodworking.
In this 6-week program, students will explore essential carpentry techniques, safety practices, tool use, floor and wall framing, finishing, and more.
From the first measurement to the final finish, this is a practical starting point for beginners, homeowners, or anyone exploring a pathway in the trades.
Classes begin June 15, and the early registration discount is available through June 1.
Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education Summer Carpentry Technology program is designed for adult learners ready to get hands-on with residential construction and woodworking.
In this 6-week program, students will explore essential carpentry techniques, safety practices, tool use, floor and wall framing, finishing, and more.
From the first measurement to the final finish, this is a practical starting point for beginners, homeowners, or anyone exploring a pathway in the trades.
Classes begin June 15, and the early registration discount is available through June 1.
Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
The countdown to summer is officially on! ☀️
BCTC students took a break from the shop, lab, classroom, and kitchen to enjoy some well-earned fun during our Summer Sendoff. From games and music to time with friends, it was the perfect way to celebrate a year full of hard work, growth, and hands-on learning.
Thanks for a great year, BCTC! Here’s to finishing strong and heading into summer with plenty to celebrate. 🎉
BCTC students took a break from the shop, lab, classroom, and kitchen to enjoy some well-earned fun during our Summer Sendoff. From games and music to time with friends, it was the perfect way to celebrate a year full of hard work, growth, and hands-on learning.
Thanks for a great year, BCTC! Here’s to finishing strong and heading into summer with plenty to celebrate. 🎉
Sparks, skill, and confidence. ⚡
Cailyn, a Welding Technology student from Schuylkill Valley, is gaining real-world experience through her co-op experience with BoardSafe Docks in Fleetwood.
She’s building dock components, learning aluminum welding, and showing other young women that the trades are absolutely a place where they belong.
Read Cailyn’s story: berkscareer.com/article/2854417
Cailyn, a Welding Technology student from Schuylkill Valley, is gaining real-world experience through her co-op experience with BoardSafe Docks in Fleetwood.
She’s building dock components, learning aluminum welding, and showing other young women that the trades are absolutely a place where they belong.
Read Cailyn’s story: berkscareer.com/article/2854417
Summer skills are calling.
BCTC’s Adult Continuing Education is now enrolling for two summer programs built for adults ready to get hands-on:
🪚 Carpentry Technology
🚜 Heavy Equipment Operations
Programs begin June 15 and run through July 23, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 AM–3:00 PM. Even better? An early registration discount is available through June 1.
Whether you’re ready to try something new, build on what you know, or take a step toward the skilled trades, summer is a great time to start.
Learn more at BerksCareer.com/ACE or call 610-743-7630 to enroll.
Built from Gears. Fueled by What’s Next. 🚗 Ryan, a third-year Automotive Technology student from Daniel Boone, is shifting into his next chapter with a $3,000 Skyline Drive Corvette Club of Reading Scholarship!
The scholarship will support his next step at the Automotive Training Center, where he plans to study Automotive and High Performance Technology.
And because this award comes with a little extra horsepower, Ryan also built a custom trophy from automotive parts to present at a car show this summer.
Scholarship earned. Trophy built. Future in motion.
Read Ryan’s full story: berkscareer.com/article/2896772
The scholarship will support his next step at the Automotive Training Center, where he plans to study Automotive and High Performance Technology.
And because this award comes with a little extra horsepower, Ryan also built a custom trophy from automotive parts to present at a car show this summer.
Scholarship earned. Trophy built. Future in motion.
Read Ryan’s full story: berkscareer.com/article/2896772
Where Mechatronics Meets Manufacturing ⚙️
Mechatronics Engineering Technology students got a firsthand look at how their skills connect to the manufacturing world during a mini manufacturing summit hosted by Bell & Evans.
Students met with Bell & Evans’ maintenance and transportation teams to see how troubleshooting, systems thinking, equipment knowledge, and problem-solving help keep real-world operations moving.
Thank you to Bell & Evans for giving our students a closer look at the industry in action!
Mechatronics Engineering Technology students got a firsthand look at how their skills connect to the manufacturing world during a mini manufacturing summit hosted by Bell & Evans.
Students met with Bell & Evans’ maintenance and transportation teams to see how troubleshooting, systems thinking, equipment knowledge, and problem-solving help keep real-world operations moving.
Thank you to Bell & Evans for giving our students a closer look at the industry in action!
Grill. Chill. Support SkillsUSA! 🔥
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students are heading to Nationals in Atlanta this June, and you can help support their trip with a chance to win the ultimate summer prize package!
Enter the Summer Fun Raffle for your chance to win:
🔥 PitBoss Pellet Grill
🧊 32 QT RTIC Cooler
🥩 $100 Omaha Steaks gift card
Every raffle ticket helps support our students as they prepare to represent BCTC on the national stage.
Get your tickets here:
go.rallyup.com/b49b88/Campaign/Details
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students are heading to Nationals in Atlanta this June, and you can help support their trip with a chance to win the ultimate summer prize package!
Enter the Summer Fun Raffle for your chance to win:
🔥 PitBoss Pellet Grill
🧊 32 QT RTIC Cooler
🥩 $100 Omaha Steaks gift card
Every raffle ticket helps support our students as they prepare to represent BCTC on the national stage.
Get your tickets here:
go.rallyup.com/b49b88/Campaign/Details
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Pour decisions. Solid teamwork. 🚧
At the Student Built House, BCTC trades were working together from the ground up!
Heavy Equipment Operations students prepared and tamped the area, setting the stage for a solid concrete pour. Then, as the concrete flowed, Masonry students jumped in to level and finish the surface.
It’s more than a concrete pour. It’s collaboration, craftsmanship, and career-ready skill taking shape.
At the Student Built House, BCTC trades were working together from the ground up!
Heavy Equipment Operations students prepared and tamped the area, setting the stage for a solid concrete pour. Then, as the concrete flowed, Masonry students jumped in to level and finish the surface.
It’s more than a concrete pour. It’s collaboration, craftsmanship, and career-ready skill taking shape.
Scholarship Spotlight 🌟 Two Health Occupations students are adding an exciting honor to their senior year!
Congratulations to Madison and Lillianna, who have been selected to receive the National Technical Honor Society Jon H. Poteat Scholarship. This national recognition celebrates students who demonstrate achievement, leadership, and a commitment to career and technical education.
From Health Occupations to national recognition, Madison and Lillianna are making their mark! 👏
Congratulations to Madison and Lillianna, who have been selected to receive the National Technical Honor Society Jon H. Poteat Scholarship. This national recognition celebrates students who demonstrate achievement, leadership, and a commitment to career and technical education.
From Health Occupations to national recognition, Madison and Lillianna are making their mark! 👏
Certified to Keep Things Moving 🚧
Heavy Equipment Operations students are officially PennDOT Flagger Certified!
After completing training in flagging signals, PPE, safe work zone setup, and passing the required exam, students earned an industry credential that supports future work in construction, roadwork, and site operations.
Big equipment. Bigger skills.
Heavy Equipment Operations students are officially PennDOT Flagger Certified!
After completing training in flagging signals, PPE, safe work zone setup, and passing the required exam, students earned an industry credential that supports future work in construction, roadwork, and site operations.
Big equipment. Bigger skills.
