BCTC celebrated the opening of its new Health Occupations classroom and laboratory space at the West Campus in Leesport with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 26, 2026.

The new learning space is the result of two years of planning and development designed to expand opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. The classroom and lab were created to provide students with hands-on training and realistic experiences that closely mirror the environments they will encounter in their future careers.

The new space features industry-inspired equipment, including a nurse call system, a head wall system that simulates oxygen and suction capabilities, emergency room, physician office, and long-term care equipment, and a new patient-care mannequin for clinical training and simulation.

With these enhanced resources, BCTC Health Occupations students can develop technical skills and confidence while practicing patient-care procedures in an environment designed to reflect today's healthcare workplaces.

Health Occupations is currently the second highest-requested program at BCTC, demonstrating the strong interest among students in pursuing healthcare careers. With healthcare occupations continuing to be in demand throughout Berks County, the new classroom and lab will help prepare students with the skills and experiences needed to take their next steps toward rewarding careers in the healthcare field.

The new facility represents BCTC's continued commitment to providing students with relevant, hands-on career training and equipment that reflects the needs of today's employers.

Four Residential Painting & Interior Design (RPID) students from Berks Career & Technology Center recently took their skills beyond the classroom to make a difference in the community, helping with Restoring Hope of Berks County’s 2026 restoration project in Exeter Township. 

As part of the project, the RPID students put their hands-on training to work by priming, sanding, and painting drywall in a living space that had been converted from a garage. They also helped transform a child’s room with a fresh coat of paint, bringing new life and a welcoming feeling to the space. 

The experience gave students an opportunity to see firsthand how the skills they are developing at BCTC can be used to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. From preparing surfaces to applying paint, each step of the project allowed students to practice the techniques and attention to detail that are essential in the residential painting and interior design industry. 

Restoring Hope of Berks County brings volunteers and community partners together to assist Berks County families facing unique challenges through home renovation projects. By working alongside organizations such as Restoring Hope, BCTC students gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to projects that strengthen and support local families. 

For the RPID students, this project was more than an opportunity to practice their trade—it was a chance to see how their future careers can make a difference right here in their own community. 

BCTC is expanding its hands-on machining capabilities through an exciting partnership with NASA HUNCH. BCTC is now borrowing a state-of-the-art Haas CNC machine from NASA, providing students with advanced equipment they can use for both their regular technical training and NASA HUNCH projects.

The opportunity came about through BCTC’s strong relationship with its NASA HUNCH liaison. Each NASA HUNCH participating school works with a NASA liaison who serves as a project manager and point of contact throughout the program. Because of the quality of work BCTC students have produced through NASA HUNCH projects in the past, the school was considered when an available machine became available.

The 2022 CNC lathe had originally been placed at a NASA HUNCH participating school in New Hampshire. When that school’s machining instructor left, the replacement instructor’s expertise was primarily in welding. As a result, the school was no longer able to produce the precision-machined parts required for NASA HUNCH projects, and the machine sat unused for several years. Rather than allowing the approximately $100,000 piece of equipment to remain idle, NASA HUNCH offered it to BCTC.

BCTC coordinated the move with Specialty Rigging Co., a local company with connections to BCTC, to help coordinate the move of the large machine from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania.  They also stored the machine at its Reading-area warehouse before transporting and positioning it at BCTC in August.

The machine is currently awaiting the necessary electrical connections. Once those are completed, a Haas technician will visit BCTC to initialize the machine and ensure it is operating properly.

Although the machine is being provided to support BCTC’s participation in NASA HUNCH, its use is not limited to NASA projects. Students will be able to train on the machine as part of BCTC’s regular machining curriculum, developing the precision skills necessary for careers in advanced manufacturing.

For students participating in NASA HUNCH, that training provides an important steppingstone toward producing components for real NASA projects. Students learn to work with the same type of advanced equipment and precision machining processes used in industry.

Four Level 3 Health Occupations students put their leadership and healthcare skills into action by organizing a blood drive benefiting Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

Emily Rubright of Tulpehocken, Brianna Adams of Conrad Weiser, Salma Elmarzouki of Tulpehocken, and Emily Krick of Kutztown brought BCTC students and staff together to support this important community cause. Through their planning, promotion, and coordination, the students helped make the blood drive a successful event.

Together, BCTC students and staff donated an impressive 48 units of blood—a contribution that can help provide lifesaving blood products to patients in need throughout the community.

For the Health Occupations students, the blood drive provided an opportunity to go beyond the classroom and experience firsthand the importance of community involvement and healthcare advocacy. Their efforts demonstrated compassion, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that are essential in the healthcare field.

A new piece of equipment has officially arrived at BCTC, opening the door to even more hands-on learning opportunities for students in the Computerized Machining Technology program.

BCTC was selected to receive a Haas desktop lathe during Phillips Haas Demo Day 2026, providing students with an additional tool to develop their programming and precision machining skills. Though compact in size, the desktop lathe offers students big opportunities to put their knowledge into practice and experience the precision and technology used in today’s machining industry.

The new equipment gives Computerized Machining Technology students another way to explore CNC programming, practice machining techniques, and see firsthand how computer programming translates into precision-manufactured parts. By working with industry-relevant equipment, students can build technical skills while gaining valuable experience that can prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing.

This donation from Phillips Corporation represents more than a new piece of equipment—it represents new possibilities for learning, creating, and building the future.

Looking for a fresh new look while supporting the next generation of cosmetology professionals? The BCTC Cosmetology Clinic is open to the public!

BCTC’s Student Salons at the East and West Campuses welcomes community members on the second and fourth Thursday and every Friday to a variety of salon services at a discounted rate. While clients enjoy professional-quality services at an affordable price, BCTC Cosmetology students gain valuable hands-on experience working behind the chair and developing the skills they will use in their future careers.

Ready for a fresh look? Visit Berks Salons for available services, pricing information, and details on scheduling your appointment.

Support our students. Enjoy salon services. Experience the BCTC difference!

For BCTC Precision Computerized Machining Technology (PCMT) student Logan Watt, hard work, consistency and attention to detail are paying off both in the machine shop and on the racetrack.  A senior at Boyertown High School, Logan recently celebrated a major accomplishment during his second full season racing Modifieds at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville. Logan captured the track championship, finishing the season with a victory in the final race—his first win of the season—and securing the championship at the same time.

“To win a championship at Grandview Speedway, in Boyertown, my home racetrack, is pretty cool,” Logan said.  Logan finished fifth in points during his first full season in the Modified division. This year, consistency became the key to his championship run. Although he did not win a race until the season finale, Logan consistently finished races and avoided mechanical failures and incidents that could cost valuable points.  “We were the most consistent,” Logan explained. “Being consistent all year was one of the biggest keys to success in winning the championship.”

The championship was especially meaningful for Logan because he grew up watching many of the drivers, he now competes against. As a young child, he watched drivers such as Craig Mandra, Jeff Strunk and Duane Howard from the grandstands. Now, he finds himself racing alongside them and competing successfully on the same track.  “It was definitely a cool experience,” Logan said. “Everything kind of happened so quick. People were coming up and getting pictures, and it never really sunk in.”

Logan’s championship came with an impressive prize package, including a championship belt, a cash prize and a trip to Cancun. He also finished near the top of the NASCAR regional standings associated with the NASCAR-sanctioned track.

Away from the track, Logan spends many of his evenings preparing his race car for the weekend. After school, he often heads straight to his garage and works until 9 or 10 p.m.  That dedication has also helped shape his career interests.

At BCTC, Logan is a PCMT student preparing for a future in machining. His interest in the field is closely connected to racing. His father, Ryan, works in machining at Globus Medical, and Logan has also seen firsthand how precision machining is used in motorsports.

Logan recently added a Haas machine to his personal race shop, where he plans to use his machining skills to create parts and potentially operate a small side business while continuing his racing career.  “Part manufacturers use machines like Haas, Mazak and Hurco, to make their parts,” Logan explained. “I need one so I can make my own parts.”

For Logan, PCMT provides skills that connect directly to something he is passionate about. “It’s definitely a program that helps out and works on the racing industry,” he said.

As Logan looks toward graduation, he plans to continue racing while pursuing a career in machining. He knows balancing work, school and racing will require dedication, but he has no plans to give up the sport he loves. “I’m not going to stop racing,” Logan said. “That’s just what seems to be going for me right now.”

Logan’s championship season is a great example of how the skills students develop at BCTC can extend beyond the classroom. Whether he is behind the wheel of a Modified or programming a CNC machine, Logan is putting precision, persistence and hands-on skills to work.

Jordan, Electrical Occupations student and Wyomissing senior is turning his passion for electrical work into real-world experience at M-Tech Control.

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Trevor, a Wilson senior, is turning his Welding skills into real-world experience, fabricating and rebuilding heavy-duty trucks through his co-op at Mike Grim’s Truck Wreck Specialist.

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Tulpehocken senior Mason Olesh is putting his BCTC Heavy Equipment Technology skills to work through a co-op at Bell & Evans, where his hard work has already earned him a full-time job offer after graduation.

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October 9, 2026 - Early Dismissal Day/Act 80 Day (AM regular schedule, no PM students)

October 12, 2026 - In Service Day (no students)

October 13, 2026, 5pm-8pm - West Campus (Leesport) Open House

October 15, 2026, 5pm-8pm - East Campus (Oley) Open House

November 25-30, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break

December 23, 2026 - January 1, 2027 - Winter Break

January 18, 2027 - In Service Day (no students)

February 15, 2027 - Presidents Day Holiday (possible snow make up day)

March 23, 2027 - Early Dismissal Day/Act 80 Day (AM regular schedule, no PM students)

March 24-29, 2027 - Spring Break (3/24, 3/25, 3/29 possible snow make up days)

May 28, 2027 - Early Dismissal Day/Act 80 Day (AM regular schedule, no PM students)

May 31, 2027 - Memorial Day Holiday

June 3, 2027 - Last Day of School