🚀 Big things are happening in Computerized Machining Technology!

BCTC was thrilled to welcome the Phillips Universal Robots team, who provided training and calibration for the newest piece of equipment in our shop — the UR10e CoBot.

This state-of-the-art collaborative robot can handle machine tending, palletizing, packaging, and pick-and-place operations. Even better? Our students will get hands-on experience with automation and robotics, preparing them for the future of advanced manufacturing.

Thanks to the PA Supplemental Equipment Grant for helping make this possible!
3 months ago, BCTC
Six men stand in a machining lab next to a gray UR10e collaborative robot on a black base. Behind them are CNC machines, a large screen with programming software, and a Mastercam sign on the wall. The group includes instructors, industry partners, and a student, all smiling at the camera.
BCTC Horticulture shines at the Oley Fair! 🌸 Our students swept the competition with stunning floral arrangements — bringing home 6 First Place ribbons, 2 Second Place ribbons, 1 Third Place ribbon, and a Best of Show win for Liz!

We’re so proud of their hard work and creativity. See the full list of winners and their awards here: 👉 berkscareer.com/article/2444684
3 months ago, BCTC
A smiling young woman, Elizabeth Fortna, stands next to her award-winning floral arrangement of roses and greenery on gold fabric. Her arrangement is decorated with a Best of Show rosette and a blue first-place ribbon at the Oley Valley Community Fair.
A young woman, Elizabeth Lewis, holds her floral arrangement of orange and red roses with yellow daisies in a white vase. A blue first-place ribbon is attached to the arrangement. She is standing in front of artwork and other floral entries at the fair.
A young man, Logan Jones, stands smiling in front of two floral arrangements. One basket arrangement behind him has a blue first-place ribbon, and another vase arrangement has a red second-place ribbon.
A young man, Michael Adler, holds a small basket arrangement with yellow roses and white baby’s breath. A red second-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached.
A playful floral display in a wooden box with white, red, and yellow flowers accented by greenery. A stuffed goat toy is centered in the arrangement. A blue first-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached with exhibitor tag reading “Elizabeth Fortna.”
A colorful floral arrangement featuring deep red, yellow, and purple flowers with greenery, placed in a black vase on a wooden table. A blue first-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached, with exhibitor tag reading “Ava Reinert.”
A wicker basket overflowing with white cosmos, baby’s breath, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and greenery. A blue first-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached.
A compact bouquet in a white bowl-shaped vase with orange roses, red roses, yellow daisies, and greenery. A blue first-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached with exhibitor tag reading “Elizabeth Lewis.”
A tall arrangement of yellow, orange, and red flowers with greenery and eucalyptus displayed in a white pitcher vase. A blue first-place ribbon from the 2025 Oley Valley Community Fair is attached with exhibitor tag reading “Hannah Dietrich.”
Color, movement, and a whole lot of fun! ✨ Early Childhood Education students explored how something as simple as a parachute can spark endless learning opportunities. From teamwork and exercise to building coordination and communication, they discovered how play can be a foundation for growth.
3 months ago, BCTC
A student in a maroon hoodie runs under a colorful parachute, smiling as the red, blue, and yellow fabric arches overhead.
A student in a maroon polo shirt sits under the parachute with one arm raised, smiling as the red and blue fabric drapes overhead, with her legs stretched out on the grass.
A student wearing a maroon polo shirt smiles while holding the edge of a bright red parachute on a sunny day, standing on green grass with trees in the background.
A student in a maroon polo shirt sits cross-legged on the grass under a parachute, smiling as the red and blue fabric creates a colorful overhead canopy.
A student in a maroon BCTC hoodie holds onto the navy and red sections of a parachute, smiling outdoors with a school building and blue sky behind her.
A student wearing a maroon polo shirt and lanyard smiles while gripping the yellow and green edge of a parachute, standing in a grassy field under a clear sky.
A student in a maroon polo shirt sits on the grass under the parachute’s yellow and blue sections, smiling and leaning slightly to the side.
Swales and Skills in the Making! 🚜💨

Heavy Equipment Operations students have been busy at BCTC’s latest student-built house, tackling the topsoil pile to clear the way for a swale. From classroom to construction site, these future operators are putting power behind their skills and moving mountains—well, at least a whole lot of dirt!
3 months ago, BCTC
A John Deere excavator positioned on top of a dirt pile, with the operator in the cab, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
A wide shot of a John Deere excavator moving dirt piles in the foreground, with BCTC’s student-built house under construction and students working near the foundation in the background.
A close-up view of a John Deere excavator as a student in a safety vest and helmet operates it while digging into a dirt mound.
A John Deere excavator moves dirt near a green house under construction, with a worker visible inside the machine’s cab.
BCTC Students Have Heart! ❤️

Skye, Sophia, Daisy, and Kayla—Health Occupations students from Tulpehocken—really pumped up the effort! 🩸 Thanks to their leadership, 36 units of blood were collected for the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank.

Huge thanks to these organizers and everyone who rolled up their sleeves to help save lives!
3 months ago, BCTC
Four Health Occupations students from Tulpehocken smile at a decorated sign-in table for the blood drive. The table is covered with an orange cloth, small pumpkins, a sunflower centerpiece, and autumn garland.
A BCTC student reclines in a donation chair while giving blood, holding a red stress ball in one hand. A Sprite can and snack rest on his lap.
A BCTC student with blond hair and glasses donates blood while seated in a chair. She holds a green drink cup and a blue stress ball, smiling slightly at the camera.
A BCTC student relaxes in a donation chair with a blue bandage on his arm after giving blood. He holds a water bottle and snack bag.
🎨 Brushes in hand, hearts in the right place! Residential Painting & Interior Design students joined this year’s Restore Hope Berks County build, transforming the interior of a house into a welcoming home for a local family. Incredible work giving back to the community!
3 months ago, BCTC
Two individuals painting an indoor wall. The person in the foreground, wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt, is applying white paint with a brush. Another person in a similar shirt is partially visible in the background. Natural light enters through a window behind them.
An individual painting an indoor wall with a brush. They are wearing glasses, a dark blue shirt, and white pants. The wall is partially painted, and natural light enters through a nearby window.
🎬 Lights, camera… teleprompter! Video & Media Content Production students are learning the ins and outs of preparing and using a teleprompter — a key tool for professional broadcasting and production.

Hands-on skills today mean confident storytellers tomorrow.
3 months ago, BCTC
A student in a black Berks Career & Technology Center polo shirt sits at a desk operating a laptop connected to a teleprompter system. The laptop screen displays scrolling text in large white letters on a black background.
A student with a long braid sits in a studio chair, facing a teleprompter mounted on a camera. The teleprompter shows white text on a black background, with studio lights and monitors visible in the room.
An instructor and students work in a production control room. Multiple monitors display live video feeds and sound levels while a student adjusts a teleprompter script on a computer.
A student wearing glasses and a white jacket operates a laptop displaying a teleprompter script. Studio control room monitors and equipment are visible around the student.
A student in a black Berks Career & Technology Center polo shirt uses a laptop to edit teleprompter text. The screen shows large white words on a black background as the student focuses on the setup.
Service Occupations students are gaining confidence and skills as they explore their future career paths! 💪 Their hard work is already showing results.
3 months ago, BCTC
Two individuals wearing blue gloves are preparing beverages behind a counter in a coffee shop setting. One person is pouring chocolate syrup into a cup of coffee, while the other holds a container of liquid. A sign behind them reads "Berks Perks Coffee Shop" with a steaming coffee cup illustration. The background includes kitchen equipment and another person working.
Four individuals are in a classroom setting. Two are in the foreground wearing gloves and working behind a table with lab supplies, including a container of liquid and boxes labeled "Nitrile Exam Gloves." In the background, another person stands near a bulletin board with colorful decorations and the phrase "Expect to be." The room contains tables, chairs, and computers along the walls, suggesting a science or lab activity in an educational environment.
our individuals are in a classroom setting. In the foreground, two people wearing blue gloves stand side by side. The person on the left, in a gray sweatshirt, is smiling and holding a cup with brown liquid. The person on the right wears a yellow fleece jacket with an ID badge and has hands resting on the table. The table holds boxes of gloves, containers, and papers. In the background, two other individuals are visible—one facing away and another near computers.
Two individuals in black uniforms and caps are working behind the counter of a coffee shop setup labeled "Berks Perks COFFEE SHOP." One person is holding a wooden rolling pin and wearing blue gloves. The counter displays coffee-making supplies including disposable cups, chocolate syrup, sweeteners, napkins, and straws. The background features cabinets and equipment, suggesting a clean and organized institutional or school-based environment.
A group of individuals wearing black shirts, aprons, and gloves are working together in a kitchen setting. The counter is filled with kitchen items including mixing bowls, containers, milk, and syrup bottles. A sign in the background reads "Bert's Perks Coffee Shop," suggesting the activity is part of a coffee preparation or culinary training program.
Two individuals are standing in a school hallway. One person, wearing an orange hoodie, is leaning on a cart that holds a box labeled "wise choice School Nurse Supply" containing nitrile gloves. The other person, wearing glasses, a black t-shirt, grey sweatpants, and white sneakers, is holding a clipboard. The hallway has beige walls with posters and doors visible along the sides.
A person is standing in a commercial kitchen using a mounted can opener to open a large can labeled "S&W Organic Black Beans." The kitchen includes industrial equipment such as ovens and stainless steel cabinets, and appears clean and organized, suggesting a professional food preparation environment.
Two individuals in black uniforms, hats, aprons, and blue gloves are working in a commercial kitchen. One person holds a small container of diced orange fruit, while the other stands beside a large metal bowl filled with the same fruit. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and countertops, indicating a professional food preparation environment.
Two individuals are working in a commercial kitchen. The person in the foreground holds a spatula and a yellow cloth, while the person in the background holds a blue cloth. Both wear black shirts with logos and appear to be engaged in cleaning tasks. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, sinks, countertops, and tiled floors and walls, indicating a professional food service environment.
🔥 From classroom to construction: Meet Andrew, a Welding Technology senior, who spent his summer fabricating components for a major bridge project in New York! Working with JGM, he built counterweight towers for the Livingston Avenue rail lift bridge. These massive pieces measured up to 100 feet long and weighed as much as 32 tons. Experiences like this are helping Andrew strengthen his skills and prepare for a career in infrastructure.

Read the full story here ➡️ berkscareer.com/article/2421659
3 months ago, BCTC
A person wearing a hard hat, safety glasses, light-colored shirt, jeans, and work boots stands in a large industrial workshop beside a massive steel beam with multiple holes drilled into its end. The workshop has high ceilings with yellow overhead cranes labeled "JGM" and an American flag hanging from one of them. The floor is scattered with tools and equipment, and the background includes machinery and workstations.
Ready to discover what’s Made in Berks?

On Monday, October 13, 2025, BCTC is taking 6th–8th graders on a Manufacturing Day adventure! Tour local manufacturers, grab lunch at West Campus, meet a Dream Team pro, and dive into our engineering & manufacturing programs.

It’s free. It’s exciting. And with only 25 spots, it won’t last long. Don’t miss out—register now!
👉 form.jotform.com/232145180592049
3 months ago, BCTC
Flyer for “Made in Berks: A Day of Discovery,” a Manufacturing Day field trip hosted by Berks Career & Technology Center. Event is on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Students will tour two local manufacturers, enjoy lunch at BCTC’s West Campus, hear from a young professional in manufacturing who is part of BCIU’s Dream Team, and explore BCTC’s engineering and manufacturing programs. The event is free for 6th–8th grade students in BCTC’s 16 sending districts. Lunch is provided. Parents/guardians are responsible for drop-off and pick-up at West Campus. Transportation is provided to and from manufacturers. Flyer notes “Only 25 spots available!” Logos of Reading Bakery Systems, Tom Sturgis Pretzels, and BCTC are shown. A QR code is included with text: “Scan to register for BCTC’s Manufacturing Day field trip.” Background design features large green and teal gear graphics.
Running. Stretching. Pushing limits. 🏃‍♀️💪

This week, Protective Services students kicked off their year with baseline training to fuel growth and track progress all year long!
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of Protective Services students in black athletic uniforms running together on a paved lot outside the school building, starting a fitness exercise.
Protective Services students running along a parking lot lined with cars, with several students in the lead and others spread out behind them near a red barn and stone buildings.
Four Protective Services students in black athletic uniforms running around the corner of a brick school building near a stop sign, focused on their pace.
🔬 First-year Health Occupations students are stepping into the world of science! In today’s lab, they explored how microorganisms interact with different environments — building a deeper understanding of the tiny organisms that play a big role in healthcare.

This experience gives students an early glimpse into the science behind infection control and prepares them for the skills they’ll continue to develop throughout the year!
4 months ago, BCTC
Two Health Occupations students in burgundy scrubs smiling at the camera while working on a laptop, with a petri dish nearby on the table.
Two students in burgundy scrubs carefully observing a petri dish, one holding a swab to the dish
Three students in burgundy scrubs gathered around a table, concentrating on swabbing a petri dish.
Two students in burgundy scrubs smiling at the camera, one holding a petri dish on the table.
Two students in burgundy scrubs kneeling at a row of lockers, swabbing a surface for samples.
Two students in burgundy scrubs standing and holding a petri dish toward the camera with a smile.
Three students in burgundy scrubs smiling at the camera with a petri dish on the table in front of them.
Two students in burgundy scrubs smiling while swabbing a petri dish together at their desk.
Three students in burgundy scrubs standing in a classroom, smiling at the camera while one holds up a petri dish.
The path to mastering masonry has officially begun. 🧱 With trowel in hand, first-year Masonry students are learning the foundational skills of mixing and spreading mortar—building the base for every wall to come.
4 months ago, BCTC
A student wearing safety glasses and a bright yellow shirt kneels beside a row of cinder blocks, carefully applying mortar with a trowel. A wheelbarrow filled with mortar and a red level rest nearby in the masonry lab.
Two students wearing bright yellow shirts and safety glasses stand beside a wheelbarrow of mortar. One holds a trowel while smiling, and the other stands next to a short wall made of cinder blocks coated with fresh mortar.
A student in a neon yellow shirt and safety glasses smiles while mixing mortar in a wheelbarrow with a long-handled tool inside the masonry shop.
A student in a bright yellow shirt and safety glasses kneels on the shop floor, using a trowel to apply mortar to the base of a cinder block. A partially built wall and tools are visible in the background.
A student in a neon yellow shirt and safety glasses applies mortar across the top of a row of cinder blocks using a trowel. The student smiles as they work in the masonry lab.
Snip, style, and shine – the wait is almost over!
BCTC’s Student Salon reopens on Friday, Sept. 12th!

From fresh haircuts and color to relaxing facials and polished nails, Cosmetology students are ready to give you the salon experience you deserve.

Tap the link for pricing & scheduling ➡️ berkscareer.com/page/salon
4 months ago, BCTC
A Cosmetology student carefully parts and styles a mannequin head with medium brown hair. The mannequin is secured to a chair clamp, and the student uses a purple comb.
A Cosmetology student smiles while styling a mannequin head with short, curly light brown hair using a comb.
A Cosmetology student at Berks Career & Technology Center works on styling a mannequin head with long blonde hair secured to a chair clamp. The student is wearing a black uniform and glasses.
A Cosmetology student stands behind a mannequin head with sectioned blonde hair clipped up for styling. The student smiles while wearing a black uniform with a silver apron.
A Cosmetology student in a black and white apron braids the hair of a mannequin head. The student smiles while working in the classroom salon.
A Cosmetology student in a leopard-print apron styles a mannequin head with brown hair. The hair is sectioned with pink clips for curling.
A smiling Cosmetology student braids the hair of a mannequin head in the classroom. The mannequin is tilted to the side, showing the braid in progress.
A Cosmetology student styles a mannequin head with straight brown hair. The student smiles at the camera while holding a comb.
A smiling Cosmetology student with long straight hair styles a mannequin head with voluminous red-brown curls. The student wears a dark denim apron.
🔧 In Diesel Technology, the basics aren’t basic—they’re the backbone.

This week, students are getting hands-on experience lifting the trailer portion of a tractor trailer truck. Safety protocols? Check. Confidence? Growing. Future? Driven.
4 months ago, BCTC
Two individuals lie on their backs beneath a vehicle elevated on red jack stands in a garage. They are working near the rear axle and differential, with a hydraulic floor jack positioned centrally. The concrete floor and surrounding tools suggest a workshop environment.
Two individuals are performing maintenance beneath a large vehicle, possibly a truck or trailer, using a red hydraulic floor jack to lift the rear. They are working on the concrete floor of an indoor garage, surrounded by tools, indicating a hands-on automotive repair setting.
Two individuals are working beneath a truck supported by red jack stands and a hydraulic floor jack. The image captures the underside of the vehicle, emphasizing mechanical maintenance or inspection in progress.
In an automotive workshop, a group of individuals are engaged in vehicle maintenance. One person operates a red hydraulic jack to lift the rear of a large vehicle, while another lies on the ground, possibly guiding the jack. Tools, equipment, and another vehicle are visible in the background, highlighting a collaborative repair environment.
Four individuals are engaged in automotive repair in a workshop. One person operates a red hydraulic jack to lift part of a vehicle chassis, while another crouches nearby, possibly instructing or discussing the task. Tools, equipment, and vehicles are visible in the background, highlighting a collaborative, hands-on learning environment.
⚙️ Control the motor. Control the motion.

In Mechatronics Engineering Technology, students are learning how to wire circuits that direct motors to start, stop, reverse, and jog using tools and techniques found in modern industry.
4 months ago, BCTC
A group of students in a technical workshop are working on electrical wiring projects. In the foreground, a student with curly hair and glasses smiles at the camera while handling red and green wires connected to electrical components on a metal frame. Other students are visible in the background, also engaged in wiring tasks. The workshop features industrial lighting, equipment, and warning signs indicating electrical hazards.
A person with curly hair and glasses is working on a large electrical panel filled with numerous red and green wires. The person is smiling at the camera while holding a wire. In the background, two other individuals are also working on similar panels. The setting appears to be an industrial or educational facility with various equipment and tools visible.
A person with curly hair and glasses is working on a large electrical panel filled with numerous red and green wires. The person is smiling at the camera while holding a wire. In the background, two other individuals are also working on similar panels. The setting appears to be an industrial or educational facility with various technical equipment visible.
They’re back—and sharper than ever!

Precision Machining Technology students are in the shop and picking up right where they left off. Lathes, mills, and minds in motion!
4 months ago, BCTC
An individual wearing safety glasses and a black polo shirt with a logo stands beside a large industrial machine labeled "KURT" in a workshop. The background includes additional machinery and equipment, emphasizing a manufacturing environment and adherence to safety protocols.
A person wearing a black t-shirt, safety glasses, and a brown cap operates a lathe machine in a workshop. The lathe has a transparent protective cover and visible control knobs. The background includes additional industrial equipment, emphasizing a safe and professional technical environment.
A person wearing safety glasses and a black t-shirt with the words "Kurt" and "Engineering" operates a milling machine in a workshop. The machine features a vise labeled "KURT" and various control components. Additional industrial equipment is visible in the background, highlighting a hands-on engineering or manufacturing environment.
A person wearing safety glasses and a black polo shirt with the "CNC Machining" logo stands beside a large industrial milling machine in a brightly lit workshop. The machine features a blue vise labeled "Kurt" on its table, with additional equipment visible in the background.
A person wearing safety glasses operates a milling machine equipped with a "KURT" vise in a workshop or manufacturing lab. Other individuals are visible working in the background, suggesting an educational or professional setting focused on machining or manufacturing skills.
A person wearing safety glasses operates a lathe machine in a workshop, machining a cylindrical object. The workspace contains various tools and equipment, emphasizing hands-on technical work and adherence to industrial safety practices.
From classroom to construction site! 🚧

This summer, Brody, a Heavy Equipment Operations student, took his training to the next level through a co-op with Berg Construction. He tackled everything from trench work to GPS technology and even played a role in preparing a PGA Championship golf course parking lot.

👉 Read his full story here: berkscareer.com/article/2382568
4 months ago, BCTC
A person wearing a green hard hat and a bright yellow-green safety shirt stands on the track of an orange CASE 650M WT bulldozer. The person has one hand in their pocket and is smiling. In the background, there is another yellow bulldozer, several parked cars, and a building with a brick facade. The sky is blue with scattered clouds.
Building, Racing, and Creating Together! Drafting Design Technology students kicked off the year with a fun, hands-on challenge! Using only paper, tape, and scissors, they designed bridges strong enough to hold cars, books, and even cell phones.

Next came the Paper Car Challenge 🚗 where students designed, built, and raced their creations down a two-foot ramp to see whose car came out on top.

Teamwork, creativity, and innovation are driving their success. This is only the beginning of an exciting year ahead!
4 months ago, BCTC
Three individuals collaborate at a table in a classroom or lab setting, working with small white sticks, a ruler, and other tools. One person stands while two are seated, focused on the task. The background includes office equipment like printers and computers, and windows reveal another room with additional people engaged in work, emphasizing a hands-on, team-oriented environment.
In a room with grey carpet and light-colored walls, one individual kneels on the floor adjusting two small wheeled robots on a large sheet of paper marked with a track and the word "FINISH." Three others stand nearby observing. A large printer labeled "ARKANSAS EC" is visible in the background, suggesting a robotics-focused educational or project-based activity.
Three individuals sit on the floor in a collaborative workspace, surrounded by desks and chairs. They are engaged in a hands-on project using white paper or cardboard, scissors, and tape. A nearby desk holds a laptop, notebook, and water bottle, indicating an active and creative work session in a classroom or office setting.
Three individuals in matching dark blue shirts work together in a classroom or lab setting. They are focused on a small structure made of white pipes and a yellow toy car, possibly part of a hands-on experiment or project. The room features computer workstations, monitors, and a whiteboard with partially visible writing, suggesting an educational or training environment.
n a room with gray carpet and light-colored walls, one individual kneels beside a large sheet of paper marked with a track and the word "FINISH." Small objects resembling miniature vehicles or robots are placed on the track. Other individuals stand nearby, observing the setup. The environment suggests a robotics or engineering activity in an educational or project-based setting.
Several individuals stand and interact around computer desks in a classroom equipped with desktop computers. A white model structure, possibly related to engineering or architecture, is placed on one of the desks. The walls feature posters and images, suggesting an educational setting focused on collaborative learning and project-based activities.
A small-scale race track is set up on a carpeted floor, featuring five miniature cars made from lightweight materials. The track includes marked lanes and the word "HSINI" printed at one end, suggesting a school project or competition focused on engineering, design, or creativity.
Two individuals sit at a desk in a classroom or lab setting, collaborating on a project. The desk contains papers, a hammer, pens, and a computer monitor displaying a platform with multiple video or image thumbnails. One person holds an object while the other observes, indicating active engagement in a hands-on learning or problem-solving activity.
Five individuals gather around a printed mat on the floor in a room, engaging in an activity with a small robotic car. One person crouches near the mat, which features various markings and the word "FINISH," possibly adjusting the robot. A large printer labeled "ARCHITECT" is visible in the background, indicating a robotics-focused educational or experimental setting.
Blooming Beyond the Classroom 🌱

Jacob, a 10th-grade Horticulture student, is cultivating more than just plants—he’s growing his future.

This summer, Jacob completed his third year volunteering at Hershey Gardens through the Volunteen program. From mulching and trimming rose bushes to helping with unique research projects (yes—even hissing Madagascar cockroaches!), Jacob poured his passion into every task.

🔗 Read Jacob’s full story here: berkscareer.com/article/2378093
4 months ago, BCTC
A person stands outdoors in front of a wooden gazebo, wearing a short-sleeved, light blue and white striped button-up shirt. They have curly hair. To the left, blooming pink flowers and green foliage are visible. In the background, buildings and vehicles appear under a clear blue sky.