Swimming with the Sharks 🦈 Business Management & Entrepreneurship students stepped into the deep end as the aspiring student entrepreneurs featured during Reading Area Community College’s innovation celebration with Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank.
Hosted in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center, the event brought together big ideas, bold thinking, and real-world business insight.
As part of a live “Berks County Shark Tank” experience, our students pitched ideas, thought on their feet, and held their own in front of industry professionals in a high-energy setting.
No floaties needed—just preparation, confidence, and the willingness to take the risk.
Hosted in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center, the event brought together big ideas, bold thinking, and real-world business insight.
As part of a live “Berks County Shark Tank” experience, our students pitched ideas, thought on their feet, and held their own in front of industry professionals in a high-energy setting.
No floaties needed—just preparation, confidence, and the willingness to take the risk.
A Recipe for Results 🍳🔥 Service Occupations students put their skills to work during a fried rice lab, bringing together techniques they’ve been building all year.
From measuring ingredients and following multi step directions to safely using kitchen equipment, every step mattered. Just as important, they worked as a team to keep things moving and bring it all together.
It’s always great to see students build on what they know while picking up something new along the way.
From measuring ingredients and following multi step directions to safely using kitchen equipment, every step mattered. Just as important, they worked as a team to keep things moving and bring it all together.
It’s always great to see students build on what they know while picking up something new along the way.
⚡ Now Hiring: Electrical Occupations Instructor
BCTC is seeking an Electrical Occupations Instructor to help students build the skills that keep homes, businesses, and industries running.
In this role, you’ll guide students through real-world electrical concepts, including reading circuit diagrams and blueprints, wiring installation, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial systems. The ideal candidate brings both industry experience and the ability to create a structured, safety-focused lab environment where students can grow and prepare for what comes next.
Candidates should hold, or be eligible for, Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Electrical Occupations and have a minimum of four years of full-time electrical experience beyond training. Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills are essential, along with the ability to deliver engaging, lab-based instruction.
If you’re ready to bring your electrical experience into the classroom and help shape the next generation of skilled technicians, we’d love to hear from you. For full details and to apply, visit: berkscareer.com/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID# 468
BCTC is seeking an Electrical Occupations Instructor to help students build the skills that keep homes, businesses, and industries running.
In this role, you’ll guide students through real-world electrical concepts, including reading circuit diagrams and blueprints, wiring installation, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial systems. The ideal candidate brings both industry experience and the ability to create a structured, safety-focused lab environment where students can grow and prepare for what comes next.
Candidates should hold, or be eligible for, Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Electrical Occupations and have a minimum of four years of full-time electrical experience beyond training. Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills are essential, along with the ability to deliver engaging, lab-based instruction.
If you’re ready to bring your electrical experience into the classroom and help shape the next generation of skilled technicians, we’d love to hear from you. For full details and to apply, visit: berkscareer.com/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID# 468
Measured. Cut. Bent. Connected. ⚡
After a full year of building their skills, first-year Electrical Occupations students are putting it all together.
From measuring and bending conduit to installing boxes and making clean wiring connections, these projects show the progress that comes with practice. Each run is more precise, each connection more confident.
Give it a little more time… these skills are about to power something big.
After a full year of building their skills, first-year Electrical Occupations students are putting it all together.
From measuring and bending conduit to installing boxes and making clean wiring connections, these projects show the progress that comes with practice. Each run is more precise, each connection more confident.
Give it a little more time… these skills are about to power something big.
Big ideas. Real feedback. ☕
Residential Painting & Interior Design students pitched their coffee shop designs to a panel who knows the business best… our Service Occupations students.
From layout and color choices to customer flow and overall vibe, every detail was on the table. It was a chance to share their vision, think on their feet, and take in feedback from peers who understand what makes a space work.
Creative thinking met real-world perspective… and the results were worth the pitch.
Residential Painting & Interior Design students pitched their coffee shop designs to a panel who knows the business best… our Service Occupations students.
From layout and color choices to customer flow and overall vibe, every detail was on the table. It was a chance to share their vision, think on their feet, and take in feedback from peers who understand what makes a space work.
Creative thinking met real-world perspective… and the results were worth the pitch.
More Than Just Numbers. 🩺
First-year Healthcare students are getting hands-on with two essentials of patient care, taking vitals and supporting oral hygiene.
From checking blood pressure to brushing teeth and cleaning dentures, they’re learning how everyday tasks play a big role in a patient’s comfort and well-being.
First-year Healthcare students are getting hands-on with two essentials of patient care, taking vitals and supporting oral hygiene.
From checking blood pressure to brushing teeth and cleaning dentures, they’re learning how everyday tasks play a big role in a patient’s comfort and well-being.
From the Studs to the Sink 🔧💧
Plumbing & Heating students are putting their skills to work from start to finish. From running supply lines and setting fixtures to making tight connections behind the scenes, every step matters—and they’re handling it.
Sinks, showers, toilets, water heaters… it all comes together here. And more importantly, so does the experience that prepares them for what the job actually looks like.
Plumbing & Heating students are putting their skills to work from start to finish. From running supply lines and setting fixtures to making tight connections behind the scenes, every step matters—and they’re handling it.
Sinks, showers, toilets, water heaters… it all comes together here. And more importantly, so does the experience that prepares them for what the job actually looks like.
Honoring the Heart Behind the Work 💙 BCTC was proud to nominate Ms. Linda Keller for the Annie Sullivan Award.
This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities, honoring those who lead with patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential. Named after Helen Keller’s teacher and lifelong mentor, the Annie Sullivan Award represents the kind of quiet, steady impact that changes lives.
That impact is exactly what Ms. Keller brings to BCTC each day.
Through her care, encouragement, and dedication, she creates an environment where students feel supported, valued, and capable of more than they may have believed possible. Her nomination is a reflection of the difference she makes, not just in the classroom, but in the lives of the students she serves.
This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities, honoring those who lead with patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential. Named after Helen Keller’s teacher and lifelong mentor, the Annie Sullivan Award represents the kind of quiet, steady impact that changes lives.
That impact is exactly what Ms. Keller brings to BCTC each day.
Through her care, encouragement, and dedication, she creates an environment where students feel supported, valued, and capable of more than they may have believed possible. Her nomination is a reflection of the difference she makes, not just in the classroom, but in the lives of the students she serves.
They punched their ticket to Nationals… now let’s help them get there! ✈️
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students are heading to Atlanta this June, and two upcoming fundraisers will help make the trip possible. Want to jump in and be part of it? Here are two ways to support and have a little fun along the way:
🎉 CASH BINGO
Join us this Friday at our East Campus for a night of bingo and big prizes.
Save your spot here: signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AEAA2EAAF9C25-63104385-berksctc
🔥 SUMMER FUN RAFFLE
Enter for a chance to win a PitBoss Pellet Grill, 32 QT RTIC Cooler, and a $100 Omaha Steaks gift card.
Get your tickets here: go.rallyup.com/b49b88/Campaign/Details
Every ticket and every seat helps support our students as they represent BCTC on the national stage.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
BCTC’s SkillsUSA students are heading to Atlanta this June, and two upcoming fundraisers will help make the trip possible. Want to jump in and be part of it? Here are two ways to support and have a little fun along the way:
🎉 CASH BINGO
Join us this Friday at our East Campus for a night of bingo and big prizes.
Save your spot here: signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AEAA2EAAF9C25-63104385-berksctc
🔥 SUMMER FUN RAFFLE
Enter for a chance to win a PitBoss Pellet Grill, 32 QT RTIC Cooler, and a $100 Omaha Steaks gift card.
Get your tickets here: go.rallyup.com/b49b88/Campaign/Details
Every ticket and every seat helps support our students as they represent BCTC on the national stage.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
In the Frame. On Display. 📸
Advertising Art & Design Technology and Video & Media Content Production students are making their mark at the BCIU Secondary Art Show, with 45 photos from 37 students on display at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Please join us in congratulating the following students for earning recognition:
Noah – Fast Lane Arts Selection
Yazmin – Fast Lane Arts Selection
Chase – 2nd place, Black and White Photography
Carter – 3rd place, Color Photography
Niah – Honorable Mention, Color Photography
Georgia – Honorable Mention, Color Photography
Noah – Graphic Design (photo featured in an AADT design)
Samantha – Graphic Design (photo featured in an AADT design)
Congratulations to our award winners, and to all of the students whose work is on display.
Advertising Art & Design Technology and Video & Media Content Production students are making their mark at the BCIU Secondary Art Show, with 45 photos from 37 students on display at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Please join us in congratulating the following students for earning recognition:
Noah – Fast Lane Arts Selection
Yazmin – Fast Lane Arts Selection
Chase – 2nd place, Black and White Photography
Carter – 3rd place, Color Photography
Niah – Honorable Mention, Color Photography
Georgia – Honorable Mention, Color Photography
Noah – Graphic Design (photo featured in an AADT design)
Samantha – Graphic Design (photo featured in an AADT design)
Congratulations to our award winners, and to all of the students whose work is on display.
They showed up ready—and brought home the hardware. 🏅
BCTC students had an impressive showing at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership and Skills Conference in Hershey, earning top finishes in some of the state’s toughest career and technical competitions.
Join us in congratulating our SkillsUSA standouts and read more about their success: berkscareer.com/article/2814056
BCTC students had an impressive showing at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership and Skills Conference in Hershey, earning top finishes in some of the state’s toughest career and technical competitions.
Join us in congratulating our SkillsUSA standouts and read more about their success: berkscareer.com/article/2814056
Updated 4/10: The wait is almost over. Join us live as we cheer on our BCTC students during today’s SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference closing and awards ceremony.
Watch here: youtube.com/live/y25IVlsz0H0
Skills Tested. Nerves Activated. 👀
BCTC students showed up ready at today’s SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, putting their training to the test and leaving it all on the floor.
Now that the competitions are complete, it’s time for the toughest part… the wait. The adrenaline fades, the “what ifs” kick in, and every moment feels a little longer.
No matter what the results say, we’re proud of how our students showed up, stayed focused, and represented BCTC. 👏
Care That Counts (and Takes a Gentle Touch)
Health Occupations students are taking on one of healthcare’s more delicate responsibilities—catheter care. It may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one that makes a real difference in patient comfort and well-being.
With a focus on safety, attention to detail, and respect, students are learning how to handle these situations with confidence and professionalism. It’s all about doing the small things right, especially when they matter most to the patient.
Not every lesson is flashy, but every skill plays a part in quality care.
Health Occupations students are taking on one of healthcare’s more delicate responsibilities—catheter care. It may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one that makes a real difference in patient comfort and well-being.
With a focus on safety, attention to detail, and respect, students are learning how to handle these situations with confidence and professionalism. It’s all about doing the small things right, especially when they matter most to the patient.
Not every lesson is flashy, but every skill plays a part in quality care.
Moving dirt. Making it count. 🚧
Heavy Equipment Operations students are putting in work at the quarry—moving mounds, digging trenches, and completing survey work that keeps everything on track.
Out on site, they’re learning how to read the land, operate with control, and adjust in real time as conditions change.
It’s steady work with real expectations—and they’re building the kind of experience that lasts.
Heavy Equipment Operations students are putting in work at the quarry—moving mounds, digging trenches, and completing survey work that keeps everything on track.
Out on site, they’re learning how to read the land, operate with control, and adjust in real time as conditions change.
It’s steady work with real expectations—and they’re building the kind of experience that lasts.
Fresh off the machine and right on schedule 🚀 Computerized Machining Technology students are closing out the week by producing parts for this year’s NASA HUNCH project—and these aren’t just any parts. They’re machining jam wheels that will help secure handrails aboard the International Space Station.
Built with precision, purpose, and a whole lot of focus, this is work that goes from the shop floor to space. 🌎✨
As a reminder: BCTC will be closed to all students from April 1 through April 6. Sessions resume on April 7.
Built with precision, purpose, and a whole lot of focus, this is work that goes from the shop floor to space. 🌎✨
As a reminder: BCTC will be closed to all students from April 1 through April 6. Sessions resume on April 7.
Build It. Break It. Learn From It 🔨
Building Construction Occupations students took on the shop “shack,” building and refining each part of the structure. Then came demo day—breaking it all down to see how everything holds together and how it comes apart.
From first nail to final swing, a full-circle look at construction.
Building Construction Occupations students took on the shop “shack,” building and refining each part of the structure. Then came demo day—breaking it all down to see how everything holds together and how it comes apart.
From first nail to final swing, a full-circle look at construction.
When Designs Start Speaking for Themselves 👀
Drafting Design Technology students are turning their latest designs into prospective renderings that bring every detail into focus—from layout to lighting to the overall feel of a space.
As they build these skills, they’re learning how to present ideas the way professionals do—using visuals to communicate with clients, guide project decisions, and refine designs before moving forward.
It’s not just about creating something that looks good—it’s about learning how to show it, explain it, and make it work in the real world.
Drafting Design Technology students are turning their latest designs into prospective renderings that bring every detail into focus—from layout to lighting to the overall feel of a space.
As they build these skills, they’re learning how to present ideas the way professionals do—using visuals to communicate with clients, guide project decisions, and refine designs before moving forward.
It’s not just about creating something that looks good—it’s about learning how to show it, explain it, and make it work in the real world.
Where Little Moments Lead to Big Futures. 💛 For Lillian, those little moments—story time, helping hands, and everyday routines—are shaping something much bigger.
Through her co-op placement at St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish Child Care, Lillian works with children ranging from just six weeks to six years old, supporting everything from play-based learning to daily routines that help each child grow and feel confident.
Backed by BCTC’s Early Childhood Education program, she’s building real-world experience, learning patience, and discovering how meaningful those small, everyday interactions can be.
🔗 Read her full story: berkscareer.com/article/2788306
Through her co-op placement at St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish Child Care, Lillian works with children ranging from just six weeks to six years old, supporting everything from play-based learning to daily routines that help each child grow and feel confident.
Backed by BCTC’s Early Childhood Education program, she’s building real-world experience, learning patience, and discovering how meaningful those small, everyday interactions can be.
🔗 Read her full story: berkscareer.com/article/2788306
Bringing It Back to Life 🔧🏁
Some projects start with a problem—and end with an engine running like it should.
In Recreational & Power Equipment Technology, students are tuning, adjusting, and dialing in performance on a dirt bike, working through the details that make all the difference. It’s about understanding how everything connects, spotting what’s off, and making the right calls to get it back to full throttle.
Some projects start with a problem—and end with an engine running like it should.
In Recreational & Power Equipment Technology, students are tuning, adjusting, and dialing in performance on a dirt bike, working through the details that make all the difference. It’s about understanding how everything connects, spotting what’s off, and making the right calls to get it back to full throttle.
Redrawing the Space, Rethinking the Flow 🏡 One layout. Endless possibilities.
Residential Painting & Interior Design students took an existing kitchen blueprint and gave it a fresh perspective—opening the floor plan to create a more natural connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
It’s more than moving walls on paper. It’s thinking through how a space feels, how it functions, and how small changes can make a big impact.
Residential Painting & Interior Design students took an existing kitchen blueprint and gave it a fresh perspective—opening the floor plan to create a more natural connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
It’s more than moving walls on paper. It’s thinking through how a space feels, how it functions, and how small changes can make a big impact.
