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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.
8 months 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.
8 months 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.

8 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.”
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.
8 months 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
8 months 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!

8 months 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. 💛
9 months 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. 📦
9 months 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.
🎉 Big thanks to Tompkins Community Bank for supporting the future of career & technical education in Berks County!

BCTC and the BCTC Education Foundation are proud to announce a generous $7,500 donation from Tompkins Community Bank.

This gift will help expand hands-on learning opportunities, support critical resources, and prepare students for high-demand careers across a range of programs.

A heartfelt thank you to Tompkins Community Bank and everyone who believes in empowering our next generation.
9 months ago, BCTC
A group of adults and students stand together in front of a wall sign reading “Berks Career & Technology Center.” They are smiling while holding an oversized ceremonial check from Tompkins Community Bank made out to the BCTC Education Foundation for $7,500.

🚗💥 Automotive Collision Repair Technology students are in full teardown mode—removing panels, parts, and components with precision and momentum.
Every piece gets bagged, tagged, and organized, building the foundation for a restoration that comes back sharper, cleaner, and better than before.

9 months ago, BCTC
Two Automotive Collision Repair Technology students work on removing the interior panel of a car door. One student leans in closely while inspecting wiring, and the other stands beside him. Both are wearing safety glasses inside an automotive shop.
Two Automotive Collision Repair Technology students work together to disassemble a car door. One student is seated and working with tools near the lower section of the door, while the other holds the glass window upright. The scene takes place inside an automotive shop.
An Automotive Collision Repair Technology student wearing safety glasses kneels beside an open car door and uses a tool to disconnect wiring inside the door frame. The interior panel has been removed to expose mechanical components.
An Automotive Collision Repair Technology student wearing safety glasses kneels beside an open vehicle and uses a screwdriver to remove a component under the front seat. The car’s interior is partially disassembled.
🪥 Scrub-a-Dub-Dub… Dental Tools in the Tub!
First-year Dental Occupations students are diving into one of the most important skills in the dental field—properly cleaning and sanitizing dental instruments!

From ultrasonic cleaners to sterilization protocols, they’re mastering the steps that keep patients safe and smiles sparkling. 😁🪥
9 months ago, BCTC
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves loads instruments into an ultrasonic cleaner in a clinical lab setting. Cabinets, labeled storage areas, and wall-mounted glove dispensers are visible in the background.
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves stands at a workstation next to an ultrasonic cleaner. The student looks toward the camera while working with dental instruments. Cabinets, cleaning supplies, and glove dispensers are visible behind them.
Two Dental Occupations students wearing protective gowns, masks, eyewear, and green gloves stand at a counter preparing dental instruments. One student holds a metal tray while the other holds a dental tool. An ultrasonic cleaner and labeled cabinets are visible on the counter.
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves holds a sealed sterilization pouch containing dental instruments. Another student stands behind them near wall-mounted glove dispensers. The setting is a clinical lab workspace.

⏰ Still Time to Get Your Tickets! ⏰
The SkillsUSA Music Lover’s Raffle is still open — but not for long!

Don’t miss your chance to win a $500 prize bundle featuring Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), a JBL Bluetooth speaker, and a 1-year Spotify subscription. Every ticket supports SkillsUSA students and their educational experiences.

🎟️ Grab your tickets here: go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation

9 months ago, BCTC
A square promotional graphic for the BCTC Education Foundation’s SkillsUSA raffle. The background is orange with rounded corners. Large vertical text on the left reads “raffle drawing.” At the top right, two yellow Apple AirPods hover above an open charging case. A box next to them says “Win This Package: Apple AirPods, 1-year Spotify Subscription, Bluetooth Speaker.” Below, text states “Tickets Available Nov. 9 @ 9am – Dec. 21 @ 11:59pm” and “Winner Announced December 22 @ 9am.” At the bottom, a yellow price bubble lists ticket options: “$5 each | 4 for $10 | 10 for $20 | 25 for $40,” along with the link “go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation” and a QR code. The BCTC Education Foundation and SkillsUSA logos appear in the lower corners, with a note that proceeds benefit SkillsUSA competitors.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology center will operate a virtual learning day, today 12/2/2025. 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.

9 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.”

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

9 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.”
Stage 1: Complete! 🚀

Computerized Machining Technology students are off to a strong start on this year’s NASA HUNCH project. Dr. Bill Gibson, a Hardware Support Specialist with NASA HUNCH, stopped by to review their plans and share insights to help guide the next phase of the build.

Up next? Students are gearing up to begin machining a Jam Wheel — a component used to secure handrails on the International Space Station.
9 months ago, BCTC
A group of Computerized Machining Technology students stands together in a machining lab, posed in a line between two instructors and a NASA representative. One student in the center holds a large project planning board. CNC machines and shop equipment are visible in the background.
A group of Computerized Machining Technology students stands together in the machining lab posing with their instructor and a NASA representative. One student holds a project planning board in the center, and machining equipment and an American flag are visible behind them.
A NASA representative stands at the front of a classroom, speaking to students seated at desktop computers. A large monitor displays an image of space equipment, and handwritten machining notes cover the whiteboard behind him.
A NASA representative and a BCTC instructor stand at the front of a computer lab reviewing a technical drawing displayed on a large screen. Students seated at computer stations look on as a 3D model appears on their monitors.
A NASA representative stands near a large screen displaying engineering drawings while students sit at computers listening. A student in the foreground, wearing dark clothing and curly hair, is seated and facing forward.
A NASA representative stands in front of a projected 3D CAD model as students sit at computer stations watching. Technical notes and sketches cover the whiteboard behind him.
A NASA representative reviews papers with two Computerized Machining Technology students at a wooden workbench in the machining lab. The students stand across from him while CNC equipment and an American flag hang in the background.
Our SkillsUSA officers hit the road for a three-day experience at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Central Region Fall Leadership Conference in Camp Hill — and they made the most of every moment. 🏛️

From team-building challenges to leadership workshops and hands-on activities, the conference pushed them to grow, collaborate, and think bigger.

They’re back with sharpened leadership skills, new connections, and a clear vision for elevating our SkillsUSA chapter this year.
9 months ago, BCTC
A large group of SkillsUSA students and instructors pose together in a hotel lobby. They are dressed in red SkillsUSA blazers and black pants, arranged in several rows with framed artwork and soft lighting behind them.
A group of SkillsUSA students and advisors pose on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. All are wearing red SkillsUSA blazers and black pants. The Capitol’s green dome rises behind them, and additional students in red blazers stand on the surrounding steps.
A line of SkillsUSA students in red blazers stand along a stone banister outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol. They are positioned diagonally down the railing, smiling toward the camera.
A student wearing a helmet and a leopard-print jacket rides a drift tricycle during an outdoor activity. Other students on tricycles and standing nearby are visible behind her.
A group of five students stand in a hotel hallway wearing bright Hawaiian shirts. They smile at the camera, and one student in the middle holds up a playful peace sign. The hallway is softly lit with beige walls and room doors on both sides.
A student wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt and a glowing LED lei stands in a hotel hallway giving two thumbs up. Other students in bright shirts are gathered and talking behind him.
An adult rides a low-to-the-ground drift tricycle in a parking lot, smiling as he pedals. Parked vehicles are visible in the background.
An adult wearing a helmet and knee pads rides a drift tricycle in a parking lot. Two other riders follow behind him, and buildings line the background.
Construction Cluster students got an inside look at what it takes to build a successful career in the trades!

This week, students heard directly from industry professionals from the Pennsylvania Builders Association, who shared how they got their start, the work habits employers value most today, and practical job-search advice to help students stand out.

A huge thank-you to our guest speakers — Cathy and Kert Sloan of AA Remodeling/Aluminum Associates, Peter Bonargo of S.A.H. Inc., and Art Smith of Art Smith & Son H.V.A.C. Their experience and insights help our students better understand the opportunities ahead and what it truly means to be career-ready.
9 months ago, BCTC
A large group of Construction Cluster students sit in rows of gray chairs inside a workshop classroom, listening to three guest speakers seated at a table in the front of the room. The speakers—a woman and two men—are positioned near a windowed wall that looks into another lab space. The workshop has high ceilings with exposed ducts, fluorescent lighting, and various tools and equipment visible, including a tall red ladder in the foreground on the left.
Dozens of Construction Cluster students sit facing three guest speakers at the front of a workshop classroom. The speakers are seated behind a table along a wall of windows that look into another classroom. The room has high ceilings with exposed beams and ducts, overhead fluorescent lighting, and splattered paint marks on the floor. Students fill several rows of gray chairs, listening to the presentation.

🎶 Turn Up the Fun! 🎶
The BCTC Education Foundation is hosting the SkillsUSA Music Lover’s Raffle — and community support can help make it a success!

One lucky winner will score a $500 prize bundle featuring:
🎧 Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
🔊 JBL Bluetooth Speaker
🎵 1-Year Spotify Subscription

🎟️ Get your tickets: go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation

9 months ago, BCTC
A square promotional graphic for the BCTC Education Foundation’s SkillsUSA raffle. The background is orange with rounded corners. Large vertical text on the left reads “raffle drawing.” At the top right, two yellow Apple AirPods hover above an open charging case. A box next to them says “Win This Package: Apple AirPods, 1-year Spotify Subscription, Bluetooth Speaker.” Below, text states “Tickets Available Nov. 9 @ 9am – Dec. 21 @ 11:59pm” and “Winner Announced December 22 @ 9am.” At the bottom, a yellow price bubble lists ticket options: “$5 each | 4 for $10 | 10 for $20 | 25 for $40,” along with the link “go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation” and a QR code. The BCTC Education Foundation and SkillsUSA logos appear in the lower corners, with a note that proceeds benefit SkillsUSA competitors.
From nine concepts ➜ to three finalists ➜ to one standout design!

Thanks to the creativity and hard work of our Advertising Art & Design Technology students, the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation has officially selected its new logo.

Congratulations to Justin, a senior at Governor Mifflin and third-year AADT student, whose design rose to the top. His work will represent the Foundation’s mission of supporting students, programs, and future workforce initiatives across Berks County.
9 months ago, BCTC
A composite graphic featuring two photos of groups standing with Advertising Art & Design Technology students, along with the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation logo. The top photo shows thirteen people standing in a line in front of a large screen displaying the Education Foundation logo; a student near the center holds a certificate while others smile beside him. Below, a second photo shows nine individuals—including three students—standing together holding certificates in front of a BCTC wall display. To the right of the lower photo, the Education Foundation logo is shown again: a teal 3D cube with the letters “BCTC” on top and stylized lines forming the shape of an “E,” next to the text “Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation.” The graphic has a teal background framing the images.
🚀 Innovation in Action!

Two IT Programming seniors, Chase Rogers and Michael Keffer, turned a classroom project into Podium—a web-based sign-in system now used across multiple programs at BCTC.

Chase designed the front end. Michael built the back end. Together, they created a seamless digital tool that lets students scan their BCTC IDs to sign in and out, while instructors receive real-time attendance updates.

From solving time-zone glitches to navigating email-filter hurdles, these students brought a real-world solution to life—and it’s already improving efficiency schoolwide.

👉 Full story: berkscareer.com/article/2553150
9 months ago, BCTC
Two IT Programming students sit at a classroom table working on a laptop. In the foreground, Chase, a student with red hair and glasses, types on the keyboard while looking toward the camera. Next to him sits Michael, with straight brown hair, smiling as he faces forward. A barcode scanner is positioned beside the laptop. Behind them are gray lockers decorated with fall-themed cutouts.