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
about 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!
about 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
about 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!
2 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.
2 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.
2 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. 🔧
2 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🔥
2 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.

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.”

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay, tomorrow 1/29/2026. 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.”
💻 Where tech problems get solved — not Googled.

Computer Systems Networking & Security students are running virtual machines, building and testing full computer systems in a simulated environment. They’re figuring out networks, configuring systems, and troubleshooting issues just like real IT professionals do on the job.
2 months ago, BCTC
Two BCTC students stand and sit side by side at a computer workstation, looking at a monitor together while one student uses the mouse. Additional computer stations and lab storage cabinets are visible in the room.
Student wearing a Berks Career & Technology Center polo works on a laptop at a classroom desk, focused on typing while a worksheet sits nearby. Backpacks line the windowsill behind him.
Student in a BCTC polo sits at a desktop computer workstation in a lab, smiling while using a keyboard and mouse. Multiple computer monitors and lab equipment are visible in the background.
Student wearing a BCTC polo and hoodie works at a desktop computer, one hand on the mouse and the other near the keyboard. A computer monitor displays a software interface in a classroom lab setting.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay, tomorrow 1/28/2026. 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.”

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology center will operate a virtual learning day, tomorrow 1/27/2026. 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.

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.”

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be closed on Monday 1/26/2026. Thank you.

2 months ago, BCTC
A snowy rural road lined with trees covered in fresh snow. Brown leaves cling to a few branches while power lines run along the right side of the road. In the foreground, a teal rectangular banner displays white text that reads, “BCTC IS CLOSED.”
They did it! 🎉 Business Management and Entrepreneurship students brought home 1st place at the VEI New York Metro South Regional competition with their virtual company, Res-SKU.

Built around a mission of reusing apparel and promoting positive mental health, Res-SKU proves these students can pair big ideas with real-world business skills. 💚♻️

Now they’re headed to VEI Nationals in NYC — and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
🔗 Full story: berkscareer.com/article/2653204
3 months ago, BCTC
hree Business Management and Entrepreneurship students in professional attire pose at a computer in a classroom, with the Res-SKU logo displayed on the monitor.

Refresh in progress! 🪑Residential Painting & Interior Design students are learning how to transform furniture and surfaces with industry techniques—stripping old finishes, staining wood, refinishing pieces, applying caulking, and adding stencil work for the perfect finishing touch.

From careful prep work to clean final results, these students are practicing the skills that help turn a space into something special.

3 months ago, BCTC
Student wearing safety glasses works on an upside-down wooden furniture piece, reaching inside the frame during the refinishing process.
Student wearing gloves uses a putty knife to scrape and strip the old finish from a dark wooden tabletop.
Student wearing safety glasses uses a sponge or applicator to apply stencil detailing on a purple wall decorated with starburst designs.
Student wearing safety glasses holds a stencil against a wall and applies paint, creating a blue starburst pattern.
Student wearing safety glasses and blue gloves applies caulk with a caulking gun along trim detail on a painted wall section.
Smiling student wearing safety glasses uses a stencil on a blue wall, painting starburst shapes in a classroom project area.
Two students wearing safety glasses and work gloves apply dark wood stain to a tabletop using paintbrushes.
Student wearing safety glasses uses a putty knife to scrape and strip finish from the edge of a wooden tabletop in the workshop.
Student wearing safety glasses and blue gloves uses a caulking gun to apply caulk along the trim of a decorative wall panel during a painting and finishing project.
Breaking It Down, Chef-Style 🍽️🔪
Culinary Arts students rolled up their sleeves and put their knife skills to the test—learning how to remove the tenderloin and debone pork chops straight from the pork loin like true kitchen pros. This lesson was all about breaking down cuts the right way, building confidence with precision knife work, and understanding what makes each cut unique—skills that are used in professional kitchens every single day.
3 months ago, BCTC
A Culinary student in a chef coat and hat smiles while trimming a large cut of pork on a cutting board at a stainless-steel worktable, with other students blurred in the background.
A Culinary student in a chef coat and hair covering uses a knife to cut along a pork rack on a cutting board while other students work beside the table in a commercial kitchen.
A Culinary student in a chef coat and hair covering smiles at the camera while cutting a pork rack on a cutting board, with classmates working nearby in the background.
Three Culinary students in chef coats and hats stand behind a stainless-steel prep table in a commercial kitchen, with herbs, mushrooms, and pork portions arranged on trays and cutting boards.
Three Culinary students in chef coats stand at a stove in a commercial kitchen, cooking mushrooms in a skillet over an open flame while smiling toward the camera.
Close-up of plated pork medallions served over sautéed mushrooms with a brown herb sauce in a square white bowl.
Flipping the Switch on Future Careers ⚡ From conduit measuring and bending to hands-on installs, Electrical Occupations students are learning how to think like electricians—working with precision, safety, and confidence every step of the way.
3 months ago, BCTC
Electrical Occupations student wearing safety glasses uses a shovel to spread gravel in a training area with metal framing and electrical equipment.
Two Electrical Occupations students measure and mark conduit on a wooden workbench in the shop.
Electrical Occupations student kneels on the shop floor using a tape measure to measure a curved piece of electrical conduit.
Electrical Occupations student wearing safety glasses uses hand tools to connect wiring inside a metal electrical box mounted on a metal frame.
Electrical Occupations student wearing safety glasses uses a conduit bender to bend metal conduit in the classroom shop.
Electrical Occupations student wearing safety glasses kneels beside a metal frame and uses a screwdriver to work on a mounted electrical box.
Electrical Occupations student wearing safety glasses smiles while using a hand tool on an open electrical panel mounted on a metal frame.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay on 1/20/2026. 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.”
🔨 Cabinetry & Wood Technology students are hard at work in the shop!
Level 1 students are mastering the table saw through an octagon box build, building confidence with every precise cut. Level 2 students are leveling up by building cabinets and refining projects, focusing on the craftsmanship, detail, and finishing touches that make their work stand out.
3 months ago, BCTC
Student wearing safety glasses uses a band saw to cut an octagon-shaped wooden box in the Cabinetry & Wood Technology shop.
Student wearing safety glasses holds a large wooden project with a dark stained finish inside a woodworking classroom.
Student in safety glasses uses clamps and a hand tool to assemble a wooden cabinet frame on a workbench in the wood shop.
Student sands a glued wood panel clamped to a workbench in a woodworking classroom while other students work in the background.
Student wearing safety glasses uses a power sander on a rectangular wood panel at a workbench in the Cabinetry & Wood Technology shop.
Student wearing safety glasses and a beanie smiles while holding a finished patterned wooden cutting board in the wood shop.
Student wearing safety glasses holds an unfinished octagon-shaped wooden box in front of large shop doors in the woodworking classroom.