🎟️ The Tech + Talent Fest Raffle Is Now OPEN!

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.
about 2 months ago, BCTC
Flyer for BCTC Tech + Talent Fest showing a student welding. Event is March 3 at West Campus and March 4 at East Campus, 5–8 PM, featuring hands-on programs, student projects, and demonstrations.
🔩 From the classroom to the shop floor

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.
about 2 months ago, BCTC
A large group of Berks Career & Technology Center Precision and Computerized Machining Technology students and instructors stand together on a staircase inside a modern manufacturing facility during an industry tour, posing for a group photo.

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. 

about 2 months 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.”
🎬 Student Voices. Real Impact. 💙

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
2 months ago, BCTC
White domino tiles arranged in multiple curved lines on a dark background, with some dominoes standing upright and others fallen, visually representing a chain reaction.
A young person sitting on the ground in a wooded area looks up as another person extends a hand toward them, symbolizing help, support, and connection.
Students wearing virtual reality headsets stand and walk through a school hallway, participating in an immersive activity that explores perspective and experience.
What a day at BCTC! 🦺🚛

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.
2 months ago, BCTC
Students in a BCTC construction lab speak with industry representatives at a display table during Construction and Transportation Career Day, reviewing materials and completing sign-in paperwork.
A BCTC student talks with representatives from an HVAC, plumbing, and construction company at an informational table set up inside a construction lab during Career Day.
A group of BCTC students listens as an industry professional explains career opportunities at a transportation-focused exhibit featuring diesel engine components and tools.
Students gather at an industry information table inside a BCTC classroom while representatives discuss career pathways and hands-on opportunities during Construction and Transportation Career Day.
An industry professional speaks with BCTC students at an informational table, answering questions about careers and skills related to construction and transportation fields.
Real World Experience Drives Career Success! 🔧🚘

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
2 months ago, BCTC
Student wearing safety glasses uses a cordless drill to work on the rear light area of a pickup truck inside an automotive shop, standing beside the truck bed with tools and equipment visible in the background.
Yesterday, the BCTC Education Foundation awarded more than $18,000 in mini-grants to seven BCTC programs—opening the door to new tools, resources, and hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of local businesses, financial institutions, and community partners who believe in career and technical education. We’re grateful to the BCTC Education Foundation for their continued investment in our programs—and in the students building their futures here every day.
2 months ago, BCTC
Graphic with the words “Exciting News!” displayed in white text inside a teal circle with a megaphone icon.
Student wearing safety glasses sands the edge of a wooden cabinet in a Berks Career & Technology Center workshop, focusing on surface finishing.
Video and Media Content Production student operates a professional video camera in front of a green screen studio backdrop.
Health Occupations student practices taking blood pressure on another student using a manual cuff and stethoscope in a simulated clinical classroom.
Cosmetology student applies hair color to a mannequin head in a salon classroom while practicing professional cosmetology techniques.
💗 Sharing the Love Through Service 💗

This month, National Technical Honor Society students put caring into action—giving their time, energy, and hearts to support others across our community.

👟 1,200+ pairs of shoes were collected and donated to those in need through their Shoe Drive, with help from Daniel Boone and Exeter School Districts.
🍲 Blankets of Hope turned bowls of chili into warmth, with each purchase helping provide a blanket for someone facing the cold.
✨ At Night to Shine, students volunteered as buddies, helped with activities, and made sure every guest felt celebrated and valued.

We’re proud of our NTHS students for showing what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in kindness, compassion, and community—especially during the month of love.
2 months ago, BCTC
A group of Berks Career & Technology Center students pose together at the Night to Shine event, wearing name badges and formal attire, volunteering in support of adults and teens with special needs.
Two Berks Career & Technology Center students sit on the floor sorting donated shoes into bags as part of a community shoe drive, surrounded by filled donation bags inside a classroom.
Berks Career & Technology Center students and staff stand behind a table displaying packaged chili meals and a “Blankets of Hope” sign during a fundraiser benefiting individuals in need.
A group of Berks Career & Technology Center students stand in front of a box truck filled with bagged shoe donations collected for a community shoe drive.
A Berks Career & Technology Center student stands smiling next to a Night to Shine guest, both wearing name badges inside an event venue decorated with lights.
Three adult volunteers smile while standing together in front of illuminated “NTS” letters at the Night to Shine event, representing community support and partnership.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay on 2/16/2026. Thank you.

2 months 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.”
🥉 Putting their skills to the test.

Michael and Sahil, 3rd-year Automotive Technology students, earned 3rd place at the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association High School Technician Competition.

The fast-paced event pushed students through a series of timed, hands-on stations covering automotive diagnostics, electrical systems, brake measurement, and real-world problem solving—requiring skill, focus, and efficiency at every step. Their performance earned them a scholarship to Universal Technical Institute, along with professional tools they’ll use well beyond the classroom.
2 months ago, BCTC
Two Automotive Technology students and their instructor stand in an automotive lab, holding third-place trophies from a regional technician competition. The group is wearing matching black program shirts, with vehicle lifts and cars visible in the background.
🩺 Taking the Next Step Toward Healthcare Careers

Level 3 Health Occupations students are officially stepping into clinical care as they begin their Nurse Aide Training rotations. Over five days, students will complete 40 hours of immersive, hands-on experience at Berks Heim Nursing & Rehabilitation—putting classroom learning into action while working alongside healthcare professionals in a real clinical environment.

This milestone marks a shift from practice to purpose, bringing their training to life and moving them closer to meaningful careers in healthcare.
2 months ago, BCTC
A group of Level 3 Health Occupations students wearing navy scrubs stand together behind a nurses’ station during their clinical rotation, smiling and posing inside a healthcare facility.
A Health Occupations instructor stands with Level 3 students in navy scrubs during their clinical rotation, posing in a hallway of a healthcare facility with patient room doors and student artwork visible in the background.
A Story of Determination and Growth 💪

Meet Lauren Oliva, a senior from Boyertown Area Senior High School and a dedicated Dental Occupations student. Born in Cuba and now a dual citizen of the United States, Lauren’s journey is one defined by determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to her goals.

🦷 Through hands-on learning at BCTC, Lauren Oliva has earned multiple industry certifications ahead of schedule while continuing to build real-world clinical skills. With encouragement and high expectations from her instructor, Mrs. DeCarlo, she continues to rise to every challenge placed before her.

🔗 Read the full story here: berkscareer.com/article/2662994
2 months ago, BCTC
Lauren Oliva, a Dental Occupations student, smiles while standing beside a dental chair in a clinical lab, with dental instruments visible in the foreground and cabinetry in the background.
🤖⚙️ Challenge Mode: Activated.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology students are gearing up for this year’s SeAL Challenge, where problem-solving, precision, and teamwork take center stage. From refining systems to testing ideas under real-world constraints, students are putting their skills to the test as they prepare to compete.

It’s hands-on learning with a purpose—and a great example of how classroom knowledge turns into practical experience. Stay tuned as the challenge approaches!
2 months ago, BCTC
A Mechatronics Engineering Technology student sits at a workbench holding a partially assembled mechanical structure with gears and metal supports, surrounded by wiring, tools, and electronic components in a lab classroom.
Four Mechatronics Engineering Technology students stand and sit around a workbench in a lab, posing with a robotic arm assembly mounted on a base, with computer monitors, wiring, and tools visible on the table.
A Mechatronics Engineering Technology student wearing safety glasses leans over a remote-controlled vehicle chassis, adjusting internal wiring and components while small tools and parts are spread across the workbench.
A Mechatronics Engineering Technology student installs a rectangular battery onto a mounted base plate, aligning it with bolts and wiring as part of an electrical system assembly at a classroom workbench.
🌟 Career Camp Registration Is Now Open! 🌟

This summer, students can explore hands-on careers, try new skills, and experience what learning looks like at BCTC. From working with tools and technology to creative and career-focused activities, Career Camp gives students a chance to discover what sparks their interest—all in a fun, engaging environment.

Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait!
👉 Learn more and register here: berkscareer.com/o/bctc/page/career-camp
2 months ago, BCTC
Promotional graphic for Berks Career & Technology Center Career Camp. The graphic includes the headline “Career Camp at Berks Career & Technology Center” and event details: June 8–12, open to students entering 6th through 8th grades for the 2025–2026 school year, featuring hands-on activities and rotating through five programs. A group of middle school–aged students wearing safety vests and hard hats stand smiling in front of a piece of heavy equipment on campus. Registration deadline is May 15 or until all spots are filled.
🎒🏒 A Day Away with the Reading Royals!

Service Occupations students enjoyed a day away at Santander Arena, cheering on the Reading Royals during their Education Day game. A fun change of scenery and a great opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom!
3 months ago, BCTC
A student wearing a purple Reading Royals hockey jersey smiles and raises a foam finger while seated in the stands at an indoor hockey arena, with other spectators visible behind him.
A student standing in the arena seating area holds up a purple foam finger and smiles, wearing a light-colored Reading Royals shirt, while other fans sit nearby watching the game.
A group of students sit in arena seats next to the Reading Royals mascot, who is dressed in a purple and black hockey uniform and posing with them during the game.
🔧 Turning Problems Into Power

Automotive Technology students are getting hands-on with the systems that keep vehicles moving. From diagnosing and working on starters to rewiring plugs, they’re sharpening the troubleshooting skills real technicians rely on every day.

At the same time, our 3rd-year students are gearing up and practicing for their automotive inspection certification test — an important step toward industry credentials and career readiness.
3 months ago, BCTC
Student in safety glasses uses a diagnostic cart while checking the engine of a black car with the hood open in an automotive shop; another vehicle is lifted on a hoist in the background.
Automotive student wearing safety glasses works underneath a raised vehicle, using a tool near the suspension and brake assembly inside a shop with vehicle lifts.
Two Automotive Technology students wearing safety glasses stand at a workbench, smiling while holding a vehicle starter component and small parts during a repair activity.
Three Automotive Technology students wearing safety glasses stand behind a workbench displaying tools, a starter motor, and a portable battery charger inside an auto shop.
Student lies on the shop floor beneath the front of a vehicle, working on components underneath the car as part of hands-on automotive training.
Two Automotive Technology students wearing safety glasses sit at a workbench with disassembled starter motor parts, using a test lead and tools during an electrical repair lesson.
Two students work on a vehicle raised on a lift, using tools near the wheel area while performing service or inspection tasks in the automotive lab.
Two Automotive Technology students wearing safety glasses stand at a workbench with a starter motor, tools, and equipment while preparing or inspecting parts.
Three Automotive Technology students lean over an open engine bay, working together on components under the hood during a hands-on automotive repair activity.
Big sparks of innovation today ⚙️🔥

Welding Technology students stepped out of the lab and into the industry at the Miller Training Facility, where they got a hands-on preview of some of the latest technology shaping the future of welding. From advanced equipment to real-world applications, students explored the tools and techniques they’ll soon see on job sites and in fabrication shops.
3 months ago, BCTC
Large group of welding students and instructors pose together inside a high-tech welding training facility with equipment and ventilation systems visible overhead.
Wide view of a modern welding training lab with multiple blue welding booths, fume extraction arms overhead, and worktables set up with welding machines and metal pieces.
An industry instructor demonstrates robotic welding equipment to a group of students gathered around a workstation inside a welding training facility.
Welding students stand in a line beside a metal worktable, listening to instruction while holding welding helmets and gloves in a lab environment.
A student operates a robotic welding arm under the supervision of an industry representative, with other students watching closely in the background.
An instructor wearing a welding helmet adjusts settings on a Miller welding machine while two students observe in a training facility.
An instructor hands a welding sample or tool across a large metal worktable to a student during a hands-on demonstration.
A student welds metal pieces on a perforated welding table while an instructor observes and gives guidance in a training lab.
A student wearing a welding helmet and gloves welds a metal joint on a table, with sparks visible and metal practice pieces nearby.
Old metal. New purpose. Real skills.

HVAC / Refrigeration students have been learning how to refurbish sheet metal — cleaning, restoring, and preparing materials before turning them into custom duct “elbows.” Before any bending or shaping begins, the work starts with understanding the material itself and bringing it back to a usable, professional standard.

This process teaches more than fabrication. It builds respect for materials, attention to detail, and the kind of hands-on problem solving HVAC technicians use in the field every day. 🔧
3 months ago, BCTC
Two HVAC/Refrigeration students wearing safety glasses, gloves, and Berks Career & Technology Center hoodies use hand tools to fasten and shape refurbished sheet metal duct pieces at a workbench in a shop.
A student wearing safety glasses and bright green gloves carefully shapes a curved section of refurbished sheet metal using a forming tool to create a duct elbow in the HVAC shop.
A student in safety glasses and red gloves guides a piece of refurbished sheet metal through a green metalworking machine to bend it into shape for ductwork.
A smiling HVAC/Refrigeration student wearing safety glasses and gloves holds a hand tool while working on newly shaped sheet metal duct sections on a shop table.
A student wearing safety glasses and red gloves measures a piece of refurbished sheet metal with a tape measure to ensure accurate sizing for duct elbow fabrication.
A student in a hoodie, safety glasses, and gloves operates a large green sheet metal brake to bend refurbished metal into a precise angle for HVAC duct components.
Lights, camera, career connections 🎬

Video & Media Content Production students were in the studio capturing real-world career stories as part of the Berks Business Education Coalition (BBEC)'s Intern Insights series. In the spotlight: Tom Masano and a student intern from the Wyomissing Area School District, sharing how classroom learning leads straight into meaningful workplace experiences.

VMCP students have teamed up with the BBEC to produce 10 professional videos highlighting internship programs across our sending schools — handling the filming, audio, and editing.

Big stories. Real skills🔥
3 months ago, BCTC
Two students in a video production control room wear headsets while monitoring a multi-screen display showing a studio interview in progress. One student uses a production switcher with illuminated buttons as camera angles and graphics appear on the screens.
View through a studio window shows a three-person interview set with professional lighting, cameras, and a backdrop featuring BBEC and Tom Masano Auto Group branding. A camera operator films the seated speakers around a small table.
Student wearing a headset adjusts controls on an audio mixing board, focusing on sound levels. The mixing console features multiple sliders and color-coded knobs in a small audio control space.
Student wearing a headset operates a video switcher in a control room while another student manages a lighting and camera control panel. Multiple monitors display a live studio interview set with three people seated on stage in front of BBEC and Tom Masano Auto Group signage.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay, tomorrow 1/30/2026. Thank you.

3 months 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.”