From isolation gowns to quick thinking! Health Occupations students combined learning and fun as they practiced donning and doffing isolation gear through a team competition. A little friendly rivalry—and a lot of skill!
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of Health Occupations students stand together in front of a brick wall, all wearing yellow isolation gowns and blue gloves. The group smiles and waves toward the camera, showing teamwork and enthusiasm.
A Health Occupations student wearing a yellow isolation gown, mask, and safety goggles prepares to put on blue nitrile gloves at a table outside BCTC. Boxes of gloves and masks are laid out on the table. Two classmates in scrubs stand in the background smiling.
A Health Occupations student dressed in a yellow isolation gown and blue gloves focuses on donning gloves at an outdoor table. Several classmates and instructors stand behind her, watching and smiling, with the school building visible in the background.
A Health Occupations student wearing a yellow gown, mask, and blue gloves adjusts one glove at an outdoor table. Boxes of protective gloves and gowns are on the table, while classmates look on in the background.
A Health Occupations student in a yellow isolation gown and blue gloves practices donning gloves at a table outside the school. Other students stand nearby, and the building and a white car are visible in the background.
🔥 Learning the art of a clean connection!
First-year Plumbing & Heating students at BCTC are mastering the fundamentals of soldering—learning how to make clean, secure pipe connections that they’ll rely on throughout their careers. Every joint is a chance to build confidence, precision, and pride in their craft.
4 months ago, BCTC
A first-year Plumbing and Heating student at BCTC wearing safety glasses and a dark green uniform shirt stands in the shop holding a pipe cutter at a red workbench. Framed wall structures and plumbing materials are visible in the background.
A student in BCTC’s Plumbing and Heating program smiles while operating a pipe vise in the shop. He’s wearing safety glasses and a green BCTC shirt, with yellow storage lockers and tool signs visible behind him.
A BCTC Plumbing and Heating student stands at a red workbench holding a yellow torch and copper pipe assembly. Wooden framing and plumbing setups are in the background of the shop.
Two Plumbing and Heating students work together in the shop, standing near a red tool cabinet and handling a black gas cylinder used for soldering practice. Both are wearing safety glasses and green BCTC shirts.
A student in the Plumbing and Heating program smiles while holding a small can of flux at a red workbench. He’s wearing safety glasses and a green BCTC shirt, with shop tools and lockers in the background.
BCTC students hit the road for Hershey this past Friday to attend the PENN HOSA Eastern & Central Region Fall Leadership Conference! 🌟 Surrounded by future health professionals from across the state, they spent the day sharpening their leadership skills, connecting with peers, and exploring what it means to make a difference in the world of healthcare. 💙
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of BCTC HOSA students pose outside in front of three oversized Hershey’s Kiss cars labeled “Hugs,” “Almonds,” and “Kisses.” The students are smiling and dressed in business-casual and HOSA attire under a bright blue sky.
Five BCTC students sit together at a round table during the HOSA Eastern & Central Region Fall Leadership Conference in Hershey. The table is covered with yellow folders, pens, and handouts. Other students and advisors are visible in the background.
Five BCTC students stand together smiling at the camera inside the conference venue. They are wearing business-casual attire with name badges. A display of vintage cars lines the background.
A group of eight BCTC students sit around a table filled with lunch items, name badges, and HOSA materials during a conference session. Behind them, dozens of other students fill the room, and an agenda is projected on a large screen.
Six BCTC students gather around a lunch table inside a large room decorated with antique cars and retro signage. They’re enjoying food and drinks, wearing their name badges, and smiling for the photo.
Three BCTC students pose for a photo at their table, smiling with conference materials, snacks, and a Dunkin’ drink visible in front of them. The event agenda is projected on a screen in the background.

Calling all Cyber and Homeschool families! 💻🏠 Discover how your student can Go Tech! with hands-on, career-focused learning at Berks Career & Technology Center!

Join us Friday, October 24th, for a special Home/Cyber School Information Session and Campus Tour — designed for students in grades 9–11 and their families.

East Campus: 8:30 AM | West Campus: 1:00 PM

Experience how BCTC connects education to the real world and prepares students for the future of work!
👉 Register today:
📲 East Campus – signup.com/go/RejUPVb
📲 West Campus – signup.com/go/PYqRnFy

4 months ago, BCTC
A Berks Career & Technology Center student wearing safety gear and a yellow hard hat practices climbing a utility pole outdoors on a sunny day. The image includes bright text on the left that reads “Home/Cyber School Families: Don’t Miss This!” in white and orange against a teal and green background.
From Berks County to the International Space Station! 🌎🛰️

Computerized Machining Technology students just wrapped up their latest NASA HUNCH project—the manufacture of 50 satellite deployer doors that will soon be part of cube satellite launches aboard the ISS.

Now packed and on their way to NASA, these components represent hands-on learning that’s truly out of this world. 🚀
4 months ago, BCTC
A Computerized Machining Technology student and instructor stand together in the machining lab at Berks Career & Technology Center. The student holds two finished metal satellite deployer doors, while the instructor stands beside an open box on a workbench. Technical drawings and machining tools are visible on the table.
A Berks Career & Technology Center Computerized Machining Technology student stands in the lab holding a stack of finished metal satellite deployer doors. A technical drawing and open cardboard box sit on the workbench in front of him, with an American flag hanging above and machining equipment in the background.
A Berks Career & Technology Center Computerized Machining Technology student stands in a machining lab holding a finished metal satellite deployer door in one hand and a technical drawing in the other. An American flag hangs overhead, and a CNC machine is visible behind them.
Big jobs require big skills! 💥 Heavy Equipment Technology students rolled up their sleeves to remove, repair, and replace hydraulic cylinders — learning how to keep massive machines in motion.
4 months ago, BCTC
A Heavy Equipment Technology student wearing safety glasses and a dark blue BCTC shirt uses a wrench to remove a hydraulic cylinder on a workbench. A yellow backhoe is parked behind him inside the shop.
A Heavy Equipment Technology student operates a hoist to lift a hydraulic cylinder near a yellow John Deere crawler. Buckets of hydraulic oil and absorbent material are placed on the shop floor beneath the equipment.
Two Heavy Equipment Technology students work together on a hydraulic cylinder at a red workbench while an instructor observes and provides guidance. Large yellow equipment and training banners hang in the background of the shop.
Three Heavy Equipment Technology students stand at a long red workbench surrounded by heavy machinery, working together to remove and repair hydraulic cylinders. All are wearing safety glasses and navy BCTC shirts.
Building Skills. Building Cranes. Building a Future. 🔩 Jaiden, a Welding Technology student from Twin Valley, turned his BCTC training into a real-world success at Spanco PTP, where he spent the summer welding cranes up to 60 feet long. Recognized at the BBEC Summit, Jaiden credits his co-op mentor and BCTC instructors for helping him master the craft.

From learning to read a tape measure to earning industry recognition—Jaiden’s journey shows the power of curiosity, grit, and hands-on experience.

📖 Read more about his story: berkscareer.com/article/2484925
4 months ago, BCTC
Five individuals stand together in front of a banner that reads “Berks Business Education Coalition.” In the center, Welding Technology student Jaiden Belser holds a framed award. He is joined by representatives from BCTC and Spanco PTP, all smiling and dressed in professional or business-casual attire. The group is positioned on a stage with a black curtain backdrop.
🛠️ From pretzels to production lines—Made in Berks was a hit!
6th–8th grade students from across Berks County spent the day exploring careers in manufacturing during Made in Berks: A Day of Discovery! They toured Reading Bakery Systems and Tom Sturgis Pretzels, got a behind-the-scenes look at how things are made, and connected classroom learning to real careers.

🎤 Shout-out to Ryan Blumer from Reading Truck and the BCIU Dream Team for sharing insights on the many career paths in manufacturing!

We’re incredibly grateful to our local industry partners for opening their doors and helping us spark curiosity, conversation, and career exploration. The future is bright in Berks County!
4 months ago, BCTC
A classroom of middle school students sits facing a screen labeled "Careers in a Manufacturing Business." A presenter from Reading Truck stands at the front, discussing job roles in manufacturing. Students listen attentively.
A group of students stands inside the Tom Sturgis Pretzels retail shop, surrounded by baskets of packaged pretzels. They are listening to a staff member describe the company’s history and production process.
Two students are seated at computer stations in BCTC’s Drafting Design Technology classroom. They are working in CAD software, designing a pumpkin face on dual monitors, with a large Windows background display on the wall screen.
A small group of students tours BCTC’s Precision/Computerized Machining Technology lab. The instructor explains the use of CNC equipment while standing beside a ProtoTRAK control panel and milling machine.
Students explore a panel of electrical components in BCTC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology lab. An instructor observes as one student points at illuminated buttons and wiring, while others look on with curiosity.
💜 NTHS Students on the Move!
Our National Technical Honor Society members spent the afternoon at South Mountain YMCA building teamwork, leadership, and friendships. From group challenges to outdoor fun, they showed what NTHS is all about — service, leadership, and working together toward a great year ahead!
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of National Technical Honor Society students and advisors stand together outdoors in front of a stone wall at South Mountain YMCA. The group smiles for a photo surrounded by tall trees and rustic cabins in the background.
Three NTHS students participate in a team-building ropes course activity. One student balances on a rope while two teammates stand on either side offering support and encouragement.
Three NTHS students work together on a low ropes challenge in the forest. One student balances on the rope while the other two stand nearby helping and smiling.
NTHS students sit together on a large log in a wooded area, holding hands for balance during a team exercise. The group laughs and enjoys the activity surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
A group of NTHS students assist a classmate swinging on a rope during a trust-building challenge. Several students reach out to catch her while an instructor observes nearby.
An NTHS student balances carefully on a low rope between two trees while classmates support and guide her from both sides.
A group of NTHS students participate in a rope swing activity in the woods. One student swings forward while teammates extend their arms to catch her safely.
An NTHS student walks across a tightrope between trees while classmates offer verbal and physical support nearby in a wooded setting.

🚨 Now Hiring: Instructional Assistant

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in students' lives while growing personally and professionally? BCTC is seeking an Instructional Assistant to join our team at the West Campus in Leesport.

BCTC is a premier career and technical education facility serving high school students from across Berks County. As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll help students excel in their technical education while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and be proficient in math, reading, and writing. Work experience in any technical trade particularly cosmetology, early childhood education or drafting is a plus.

For detailed information about this career opportunity or to apply, please visit www.berkscareer.com/page/employment-opportunities. Refer to job ID#453.

4 months ago, BCTC
A hiring advertisement for an Instructional Assistant position. The background features the exterior of a school building with a covered entrance. The text reads: "WE'RE HIRING! Instructional Assistant Full-Time (10 Month/Year). Apply now at: www.BerksCareer.com Application Deadline: 10/30/2025 - or - until the position is filled. E.O.E.
🔨 Framing. Fitting. Finishing.
Carpentry students are hard at work installing jambs and doors at the Student-Built House! Each step of the process shows the skill, precision, and teamwork that define BCTC’s hands-on approach to learning.
4 months ago, BCTC
Two Carpentry students wearing blue hard hats and safety glasses carry a white door inside the Student-Built House. The unfinished interior shows exposed flooring and construction tools in the background.
A Carpentry student in a blue shirt uses a nail gun to secure a door jamb while another person observes and assists. The door frame shows exposed wood as part of the installation process.
A Carpentry student and instructor wearing hard hats crouch in a doorway, smiling toward the camera while working with a nail gun and drill. Construction materials and tools are visible around them.
📐 Designing Her Future! Drafting Design Technology student Alexis is gaining real-world experience through her co-op with C2C Design Group—and making an impact on a local civil engineering project along Old Lancaster Pike!

From survey data to waterway reports, Alexis plays an important role ensuring the project meets environmental and construction regulations. 💧 Her time at BCTC gave her the foundation to understand concepts like elevations and geology, and now she’s seeing how it all connects in the field.

🔗 Read the full story: berkscareer.com/article/2473916
5 months ago, BCTC
A young woman stands on a construction site wearing a light blue hard hat and a bright yellow reflective safety vest. She is smiling, dressed in a beige long-sleeve shirt and light blue jeans, with trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background. The ground around her shows freshly dug trenches and piles of dirt, suggesting active site work.
🧽 Learning the Finer Details—Together! Automotive Technology students teamed up with Service Occupations students for a hands-on collaboration focused on vehicle detailing. 🚗 From washing and waxing to learning interior cleaning techniques, Service Occupations students gained real-world experience under the guidance of their Automotive peers.

This cross-program partnership highlights how BCTC students learn from one another while building the skills that drive success both in the shop and beyond.
5 months ago, BCTC
Two students wearing safety glasses and BCTC uniforms work together to wipe down the rear side of a gray Toyota sedan inside an automotive bay.
A student in a dark BCTC T-shirt and blue FILA pants uses a red cloth to clean the rear corner of a gray Toyota Corolla inside the shop.
Five students stand in a row outside the BCTC automotive shop next to a gray car on a sunny day, smiling for the camera.
A student wearing safety glasses and a black shirt uses a yellow towel to wipe down the hood of a blue SUV inside the BCTC automotive bay.
Four students wearing BCTC shirts stand in front of a blue SUV outside the automotive shop, posing together under clear blue skies.
Two students wearing BCTC uniforms wipe the side of a shiny red car with a bright yellow microfiber cloth inside the automotive shop.
A student wearing safety glasses and a gray BCTC sweatshirt smiles while drying the side of a red car with a yellow cloth inside the automotive bay.
A student wearing glasses and a black hoodie applies wax to the hood of a red car with a yellow applicator pad inside the automotive shop.
A group of five students stands inside the BCTC automotive bay beside a red car, smiling after completing a detailing project.
A student wearing safety glasses kneels on the shop floor scrubbing a black rubber car mat with a brush in a bucket of soapy water.
Service. Leadership. Teamwork. ✨ National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) students demonstrated what it means to lead with heart by volunteering at the Opportunity House. 💜

They donated ingredients, prepped, cooked, served, and cleaned up a delicious meal of chicken and beef fajitas and tacos for the community. From chopping and cooking to serving with pride, their teamwork and professionalism shined!

Their efforts reflect the core values of NTHS — character, skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, and leadership. We’re so proud of their commitment to giving back and making a difference in Berks County.
5 months ago, BCTC
A group of eleven students and an instructor pose together in the kitchen, smiling proudly after completing their volunteer service.
A group of students wearing gloves stand side-by-side at a stainless-steel prep table, smiling as they chop vegetables like peppers, onions, and cilantro in a commercial kitchen.
Two students stand behind a large tray of cooked chicken in a commercial kitchen, smiling as they prepare food near an oven.
Several students line up at prep tables chopping tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The workspace is organized with colorful cutting boards and trays of fresh ingredients.
Two students work together slicing onions and peppers on yellow cutting boards, focused on meal prep in a kitchen environment.
Two students stand over a flat-top grill sautéing chicken and peppers, with large pots of sliced vegetables beside them.
Students line up behind serving trays at a counter, smiling as they prepare to serve the meal they cooked.
A larger group of students and staff gather in the kitchen for a cheerful group photo, some crouching and others standing, surrounded by cooking equipment and trays of food.
☀️ Perfect weather, perfect progress! Building Construction Occupations students are busy adding siding to the latest Student Built House. Step by step, they’re learning how to take a project from the foundation to a finished home!
5 months ago, BCTC
A wide shot of a two-story house under construction. The home has white siding, stone accents, and black trim. A green telescopic forklift is lifting a work platform with students in hard hats as they install siding on the upper level. Construction materials are scattered in the garage, and traffic cones mark the work area.
Close-up of several Building Construction Occupations students standing on a raised work platform. They are wearing yellow hard hats and safety gear as they prepare to apply siding to the upper portion of the house. The students smile and look toward the camera.
Mid-range view of the house with students working on the upper level from a raised platform. Two students are also working inside the garage with construction tools. White siding is partially installed along one side of the home.
A green forklift extends a platform holding students in hard hats as they work on the siding of the upper story of the house. A worker in a blue shirt and white hard hat stands near the machine. The sky is filled with scattered clouds, and construction equipment and materials surround the site.
Welding His Way to Aerospace 🚀 Congrats to Noah, a Welding Technology senior from Conrad Weiser, on earning a scholarship for advanced GTAW (TIG) training at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology!

Noah is sharpening his skills with his sights set on the aerospace industry — and he’s keeping Wayne Gretzky’s words in mind: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” 🏒

👉 Read more: berkscareer.com/article/2460363
5 months ago, BCTC
A welding student wearing protective gear, including a green cap, face shield with stickers, and red safety gloves, works on a piece of metal in a welding booth. Bright sparks and light from the welding torch illuminate the workspace.
Friday Night Lights, Teacher Spotlight! 🌟🏈 Kegan, a Heavy Equipment Operations student and high school senior, scored more than touchdowns this season—he honored his HEO instructor, Mr. Reifsnyder, during Teacher Appreciation Night.

Keegan shared how Mr. Reifsnyder has guided his career path and made a lasting impact. In return, Mr. Reifsnyder said he was “so proud” to be recognized. Moments like these highlight the powerful bonds between BCTC students and their instructors—and the difference great teachers make on and off the field.
5 months ago, BCTC
A high school football player in a navy blue uniform, number 25, stands on a track smiling with his arm at his side. Next to him is an adult man in a white polo shirt and jeans, also smiling with his hands on his hips. They are outdoors on the sideline of a football field, with other players and cheerleaders visible in the background.
🚀 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!
5 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
5 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.
5 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.