As we gear up for the coming school year, there is an overriding sense of hope and new possibility. With nearly 4 million graduates eager to enter the workforce each year, there is more pressure than ever before to land that big job. Not to worry! History has shown trades don’t just prevail during economic bumps; they undergo substantial growth. You may be surprised to know that some tradesmen and tradeswomen gross even more than their diametric corporate counterparts. If your interest is piqued, you’re not the only one. There is no doubt you’ve heard of the recent trades boom. You should know that, in Berks, it’s absolutely explosive! With so many
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unique and lucrative trades to choose from — each of which, backed by a solid occupational outlook — you could be poised to pivot in nearly any economic climate.
Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) has a rally cry we can all get behind: “Go from learning to earning. Fast!” Whether you are seeking a new career or looking to upgrade your skills, BCTC has you covered — and then some. Regarded as one of Pennsylvania’s premier career and technical education facilities of its kind, they offer quite the smorgasbord. Students are afforded a copious banquet of opportunities by way
of 38 career pathways across the following career clusters: Business and Information Technology, Communications, Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing Technology, Services, Healthcare and Transportation. Operating from two expansive campuses in Berks County, BCTC has been empowering students for more than 52 years and continues to be ranked among Pennsylvania’s best. If asked how they manage to stay competitive, it won’t take long for any student, staff or faculty member to exclaim proudly, “Results!” BCTC students are achieving outstanding feats as they prepare for tomorrow, today. Welding is so hot right now! One of the fastest-growing professions in
the U.S. and incorporated into nearly every industry, welders are in great demand. Students hone skills per American Welding Society standards and may even choose to advance further at the post-secondary level in metallurgy, welding engineering technology, quality control and inspection. The opportunities are practically endless, both in the U.S. and internationally. Instructor Dale Roberts boasts, “The more you put in, the more you get out. A robot can make a perfect weld every time and so can you with enough practice!” Another popular course of study is their Pennsylvania Builders Association-endorsed Building Construction Occupations program, where students learn several construction trades while focusing
