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.
3 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

3 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.
3 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
3 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.
✂️ In Cosmetology, great styling starts with understanding all hair types.
This week, our students focused on textured hair as they practiced and perfected their blow-out techniques — gaining the skills and confidence to deliver smooth, polished results for every client who sits in their chair.
3 months ago, BCTC
A group of Cosmetology students stand at a long classroom counter, each working on a mannequin head with textured hair. One student in the foreground smiles at the camera while holding a blow dryer, and others work in the background across the salon classroom.
A Cosmetology student wearing black scrubs and glasses uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair. She is smiling at the camera while working at a salon station with beige cabinets in the background.
A Cosmetology student with long dark hair uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair at a classroom station. Additional students work on mannequin heads in the background.
A Cosmetology student with long light brown hair smiles at the camera while holding a blow dryer to a mannequin head with textured hair. Other students work at stations behind her in the salon classroom.
A Cosmetology student with her hair pulled back uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair. She looks toward the camera while working at a countertop filled with brushes and tools, with other students working in the background.

💥 Our BCTC pop-up store is still open, and there’s time to grab your favorite BCTC apparel and gear! 💥

From trusted brands to student-designed options, there’s something for everyone. The shop closes Saturday, so be sure to get your order in while you can!

🛒 The store closes November 15 at 11:59 PM, and orders will arrive in time for the holidays. Don’t miss it!

🔗 corporateimagesinc.chipply.com/bctc2025

3 months ago, BCTC
Screenshot of BCTC’s online pop-up school store showing the “Student Designed Logo” collection. Four apparel items are displayed in a row on a white background: a short-sleeve red T-shirt, a long-sleeve orange shirt, an olive green lightweight hoodie, and a black crewneck sweatshirt. Each item features a small BCTC Career & Technical Education logo with a student-created design on the upper left chest. Color swatches and prices are listed under each product. Navigation tabs are visible at the top, including View All, Student Designed Logo, Adult/Men’s, Men’s Tall, Ladies/Women’s, and Accessories.
🎥 Behind the Scenes of Antietam’s Steel Beam Signing

Video & Media Content Production students were on site at Stony Creek Elementary to professionally cover Antietam School District’s steel beam signing—a milestone moment in their elementary rebuild.

From gathering footage to documenting key moments with precision, our students put their event-coverage skills into practice in a real-world setting.
3 months ago, BCTC
Two BCTC students closely review the screen of a Nikon camera while standing on a grassy area. The student in front holds the camera, and the student behind points toward the controls. School buildings and a person walking in the distance appear in the background.
Two female BCTC students stand next to metal bleachers while working together to adjust a camera. One holds the camera body while the other makes adjustments. A tripod with a fluid head is set up beside them, and two male students are visible working with equipment in the background.
Two BCTC Video & Media Content Production students stand outdoors adjusting settings on a Nikon camera. One student holds the camera while the other leans in closely to assist. In the background, another student stands beside a video camera on a tripod near metal bleachers and a small shed.
A BCTC student wearing headphones films the steel beam signing event using a professional video camera mounted on a tripod. In the distance, a speaker stands at a podium, and a crowd of students is gathered near the school building behind them.
A BCTC student focuses intently while adjusting settings on a Nikon camera, standing on a grassy field during the steel beam signing event. In the background, another student films with a large video camera on a tripod near the podium.
Testing strength and building confidence in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy 💪

Today, they’re performing manual muscle tests to evaluate strength and endurance. By measuring how much resistance a muscle can withstand, students gain valuable insight into muscle performance and function — a vital part of understanding rehabilitation and recovery.
3 months ago, BCTC
A Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy student performs a manual muscle strength test on a classmate who is lying on her side on a black therapy table. The student applies gentle resistance to the raised leg while smiling.
Two Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students work together during a manual muscle test in the lab. One student stands beside the table applying resistance to his classmate’s leg while the other lies on his side for the exercise.
Two Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students conduct a knee assessment at a therapy table. One student sits upright with her legs over the edge while the other student applies resistance to her lower leg.
BCTC students enjoyed a fine-dining experience as our Culinary Arts students showcased their hospitality skills. 🍽️✨ From preparation to presentation, they crafted and served a full three-course breakfast—giving their peers an inside look at what it takes to run a professional dining experience.
3 months ago, BCTC
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef uniform smiles while preparing plates beside a cart filled with cups of fresh fruit in a commercial kitchen.
A Culinary Arts student wearing a white chef coat and hat stirs a large pot on the stove in a commercial kitchen, with other students working in the background.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform places a small dish in front of a seated student while others dine in the background.
Several white ramekins filled with raw eggs and shredded cheese are arranged on a metal tray, ready to be baked.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform takes payment from a guest at a counter inside the BCTC restaurant space.
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef coat and hat slices a waffle on a cutting board in a busy commercial kitchen.
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef uniform stands at the front of a dining room holding a clipboard and speaking to seated students while two hospitality students stand behind them.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform serves bowls of food to two seated students wearing teal program shirts at a dining table.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform pours coffee for a guest seated at a breakfast table during the dining experience.
A plated breakfast featuring toast, bacon, home-fried potatoes, a slice of quiche, waffle pieces topped with warm apples, and orange slices sits on a wooden table with silverware and a glass of water.
Carpentry students are sharpening their skills at the Student Built House as they cut, fit, and install the dormer frieze board. This hands-on work challenges them to measure precisely, make clean cuts, and ensure a seamless installation — all key elements of quality exterior construction.

Another great day of real-world learning for our future builders.
4 months ago, BCTC
A Carpentry instructor wearing a white hard hat points to a frieze board on a workbench while a student in a blue hard hat and green hoodie listens and reviews the material. The Student Built House and scaffolding are behind them.
Two Carpentry students stand on a porch area beneath the soffit of the Student Built House. One holds a level while the other stands on a ladder making measurements near the ceiling. Stone and brick exterior finishes surround them.
Two Carpentry students wearing blue hard hats and safety glasses stand outside at a job site, smiling while operating a red miter saw set up on a workbench. Houses and construction equipment are visible in the background.
Two Carpentry students wearing safety harnesses and blue hard hats work from a lifted platform as they install material on the dormer of the Student Built House. The dormer and roofline are visible below them.
Two Carpentry students in blue hard hats work together at a job site, guiding a piece of material through a red miter saw. Dirt, gravel, and nearby homes are visible in the background.
Two Carpentry students stand beside a red miter saw on an outdoor workbench. Both wear blue hard hats and smiles, with stacks of material and construction equipment behind them.
At BCTC, safety is a team effort—and we’re grateful for the strong partnerships that help us keep our campuses secure and focused on learning. 🐾🚓

This morning, four canine units—coordinated by Bern Township Police Department, Berks County Sheriff’s Department, South Heidelberg Township Police, Middlecreek Search & Rescue, and Reading Police Department—visited our West Campus as part of our ongoing safety protocols.

Their professionalism and commitment ensure that our students can learn, explore, and excel in an environment built on trust and wellbeing.

Thank you to each agency for your continued support of our school community!💙
4 months ago, BCTC
A group of nine adults stand in a line inside Berks Career & Technology Center, posing in front of a large wall sign with the school’s name. Several law enforcement officers are dressed in uniforms and safety gear, each accompanied by a canine partner, including a golden retriever, a Belgian Malinois, a chocolate Labrador, and a German Shepherd. Two school staff members stand at each end of the group. Everyone is facing the camera and smiling, with the dogs sitting calmly at their handlers’ sides.
When challenged to reimagine the logo for the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation, Advertising Art & Design Technology students were more than ready.

From first sketches to refined digital concepts, they poured countless hours of creativity, strategy, and passion into every detail.

The submissions are in — and now the anticipation begins.
Which design will rise to the top? 👀
4 months ago, BCTC
A group photo of students, instructors, and school representatives standing in a classroom in front of a screen displaying “Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation Logo Design Presentations.” Tables are visible in the foreground.
A group photo of students holding printed logo design boards, standing with instructors and school leaders in a classroom. A screen in the background displays “Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation Logo Design Presentations.” Tables and student design boards are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in a classroom holding a printed design sheet, smiling. Behind them is a large screen displaying three variations of a logo for the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation labeled “Original,” “Revision 1,” and “Revision 2.” Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in a classroom and smiles beside a screen showing the original and revised versions of a Berks CTC Education Foundation logo featuring stylized figures pushing the letters “EF.” Classroom tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in front of a large screen showing the original and revised versions of a Berks CTC Education Foundation logo, with bold block text and a modern, blue color scheme. Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in a classroom smiling next to a large screen showing an original and two revised Berks CTC Education Foundation logos featuring heart shapes and circular badge-style designs. Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands beside a screen showing the original and revised Education Foundation logo concepts featuring a graduation cap and gear icon. Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in front of a classroom screen displaying the original and revised Education Foundation logo concepts using arrow shapes and bold blue and green text. Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands beside a screen showing the original and revised versions of a circular logo for the Berks CTC Education Foundation in blue and black tones. Tables are visible in the foreground.
A student stands in front of a screen showing the original and revised Education Foundation logos featuring a lightbulb and gear concept. Tables are visible in the foreground.

💙 Inspired by friends and family, HOSA leaders and Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students Tyler and Abriana brought the Boyertown community together for an Autism 5K Walk & Community Fair — complete with live music, raffles, and family-friendly fun, all in support of a cause close to their hearts.

Thanks to their efforts and the support of our community, they’ve raised $1,600 — including $825 from the walk — for the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe, which provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With a goal of $2,000, Tyler and Abriana are just getting started. Up next: dress-down days and hot cocoa & baked-good sales at Boyertown’s Chilling on Main Street!

4 months ago, BCTC
Two BCTC students stand side by side in a classroom, smiling at the camera. Both are wearing T-shirts with a medical caduceus graphic representing the Sports Medicine program. The classroom background includes desks, chairs, posters, and other students working.
That’s a wrap on Open House season!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at BCTC’s campuses to explore hands-on learning, meet our instructors, and experience career & technical education in action. We loved welcoming future students and families as they discovered the pathways that build bright futures.

A special shout-out to Central Berks Police, Bern Township Police, and our future officers from Protective Services for helping keep our events running safely and smoothly — we appreciate your support and partnership! 👏👮‍♂️
4 months ago, BCTC
Two Protective Services students in reflective vests stand smiling next to a police officer in uniform. They are standing in front of a marked police SUV with autumn trees in the background.
A police officer stands beside a marked Bern Township Police SUV in a parking lot during sunset. He is wearing a police uniform and equipment, with autumn trees in the background.
A group of seven Protective Services students wearing reflective vests pose outdoors at sunset. They are standing near a tree with fall foliage, with a picnic table and grassy area behind them.
Two Protective Services students stand on a driveway in bright yellow reflective safety vests, holding orange traffic batons. Behind them are large trees with colorful fall leaves and a clear blue sky.
A Protective Services student wearing a yellow reflective vest and sunglasses directs vehicles in a parking lot, holding an orange traffic baton. A red SUV is driving past, and the school building is visible behind her.
Four Protective Services students stand together in a parking lot, wearing reflective vests and holding orange traffic batons. The school building and parked cars are visible behind them in evening sunlight.
🎬💼 Creative minds meet business strategy!
Our Video & Media Content Production students teamed up with Business Management & Entrepreneurship students to bring their elevator pitches to life for Virtual Enterprise International. From script to screen, students showcased storytelling, branding, and real-world communication skills—all while building confidence in front of the camera and behind it.

Want to see how career-focused collaboration can launch your future? Join us tonight from 5–8 PM at our West Campus in Leesport for Open House and explore programs like these firsthand.

🔗berkscareer.com/page/open-house
4 months ago, BCTC
A student operates a professional video camera in a studio, wearing headphones and focusing on a monitor showing another student speaking on set under blue lighting.
One student clips a microphone onto another student’s shirt on a studio set with lighting and brick-style background walls.
A student in a control room listens to feedback from an instructor while another student works on a computer in the background; audio and video equipment surrounds them.
A student adjusts a studio camera and teleprompter setup in front of a green screen, wearing a headset and reading from the teleprompter screen.
A student wearing a headset sits in a control room monitoring multiple broadcast screens showing students presenting in a studio; video switcher equipment is visible.
A student stands on a studio set in front of a large screen with the word "Proxima" and a blue globe-themed logo, while another student films them using a camera on a tripod.
A student wearing a headset sits at a control desk operating video switcher and audio equipment, focusing on the production monitors.
A student in a control room watches multiple live camera feeds on monitors while operating a video switcher and wearing a headset.
A student wearing headphones films another student who is presenting on a studio set in front of a “Proxima” logo displayed on a blue digital background.
Adding a touch of design to durability! 🧱 Masonry students are enhancing the Student Built House with a brick sill above the stone veneer and a beautifully finished brick porch — blending creativity and craftsmanship, brick by brick.
4 months ago, BCTC
A Masonry student wearing a bright yellow safety shirt, orange hard hat, and safety glasses kneels on a newly laid brick porch. He’s holding a masonry tool and working near a stone veneer wall with a red brick sill above it.
A Masonry student in a yellow safety shirt and orange hard hat crouches on the brick porch while filling mortar joints between bricks. The stone veneer wall and red brick sill are visible behind him, along with masonry tools on the ground.
A Masonry student wearing a yellow safety shirt, orange hard hat, and safety glasses stands beside a white door, using a masonry tool on the wall’s red brick trim. The stone veneer wall and brick porch beneath him are part of the Student Built House.
Celebrating Achievement at BCTC! ✨ Last week, 231 students were officially inducted into the National Technical Honor Society — a huge accomplishment that recognizes their hard work, leadership, and dedication to excellence both at BCTC and in their districts. 🙌

Their success reflects the passion and perseverance that drive our students every day. 💜

📸 Check out full coverage from the Induction Ceremony at berkscareer.smugmug.com
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of 231 Berks Career & Technology Center students and staff gather on stage for a group photo during the National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The students are dressed in professional attire and smiling toward the camera.
Four male students dressed in white shirts, ties, and dress pants sit in a row holding their National Technical Honor Society certificates, smiling before the induction ceremony at Berks Career & Technology Center.
A student in a black dress lights a candle on stage as part of the National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony while other inductees watch from behind the table draped with the NTHS logo.
A female student wearing glasses and a white sweater shakes hands with Dr. Stauffer on stage while receiving her National Technical Honor Society certificate during the induction ceremony.
A Berks Career & Technology Center staff member in a lavender dress congratulates a student in a black dress on stage during the National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony.
💻 Powering up possibilities! Computer Systems Networking & Security students are taking their skills to the next level—learning how to install and configure multiple operating systems on a single PC. From setup to system optimization, they’re building the foundation for success in IT and cybersecurity.

🔍 Want to see what hands-on learning at BCTC looks like?
Stop by our East Campus Open House in Oley tonight from 5:00–8:00 PM and explore programs where innovation starts with you.

🔗berkscareer.com/page/open-house
4 months ago, BCTC
Four Computer Systems Networking & Security students at Berks Career & Technology Center stand beside computer monitors and a laptop in their classroom. They are smiling at the camera while surrounded by lockers and network cables on the table.
Four Computer Systems Networking & Security students work together at desktop computers, typing on keyboards and looking toward the camera in a bright classroom with large windows.
Three Computer Systems Networking & Security students pose at their workstation in a classroom, with computer monitors, a laptop, and networking equipment on the desk in front of them.
Four Computer Systems Networking & Security students sit and stand around a classroom table with laptops open, smiling and looking at the camera in front of bright windows.
🚀 The countdown is on!
BCTC’s Open House kicks off this Monday, and we can’t wait to welcome future students, families, and community members through our doors. Come see our programs in action, meet our instructors, and experience what hands-on learning at BCTC is all about.

📅 East Campus: October 27th | West Campus: October 30th
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming you!
👉 Learn more: berkscareer.com/page/open-house
4 months ago, BCTC
A promotional graphic for the Berks Career & Technology Center Open House. The top reads “Discover. Learn. Excel. Learn how at BCTC’s Open House!” in white and green text. To the right, the BCTC logo appears on a teal background. The text on the right invites visitors to meet instructors, tour programs, and see where their path begins. Below, the event details list: “10.27.25 East Campus, 3307 Friedensburg Rd., Oley, PA 19547” and “10.30.25 West Campus, 1057 County Welfare Rd., Leesport, PA 19533.” The doors are open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. On the left, there is a photo of a student operating a large yellow John Deere excavator, digging into a mound of dirt on a sunny day. The photo is framed with an orange border.
A big thank you to the administrators, counselors, and teachers from our sending districts who joined us today to explore all things Career and Technical Education(CTE)! 🛠️📚

Our guests toured classrooms and labs, connected with instructors, and discovered how our programs empower students to discover, learn, and excel through real-world, hands-on experiences.

It’s always a great day when we get to share the excitement of CTE at BCTC!
4 months ago, BCTC
A group of visitors stands inside BCTC’s HVAC program lab, listening to a student or instructor. HVAC equipment, ductwork, and NOCTI Advanced banners hang above the workspace.
A BCTC instructor speaks to a group of visiting educators inside the Exercise Science & Rehabilitation program. Gym and therapy equipment, including a weight machine and anatomical skeleton, are visible in the background.
Administrators, counselors, and teachers from BCTC’s sending districts gather around a large conference table in a BCTC meeting room. Smiling participants face the camera with the Berks Career & Technology Center logo visible on the wall.
Visitors stand in a bright classroom within the Early Childhood Education program. The room is decorated with colorful flags and children’s learning materials as instructors explain program details.
A group of visitors stands around an instructor and students in the Collision Repair Technology lab. A blue pickup truck and large equipment are visible in the background under hanging American flags.
Educators observe BCTC Health Occupations students demonstrating the Anatomage Table. The digital dissection display shows a 3D human anatomy model as part of a health science presentation.
CTC Plumbing & Heating students and instructors demonstrate pipe threading equipment to visiting educators inside a workshop setting with wood framing and tools around.
Visitors observe the Heavy Equipment Operations classroom, where simulators display virtual construction equipment. A student sits at a CAT simulator while others look on.
Educators watch BCTC Masonry students actively working on block and brick structures inside the masonry lab. The space includes workstations, scaffolding, and partially completed walls.