What Is It Known For?
Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC) is a leading career and technical education school in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1968, it has grown to become one of the best in the state.
Today, BCTC operates two campuses that serve many students. Each year, about 2,000 high school students and 500 adults attend classes here. While BCTC is a respected institution, there is no indication that it is part of a larger network of schools. The focus seems to be on providing high-quality career and technical education to students in the local area.
Degrees & Certifications
BCTC offers a wide range of career programs for students to choose from. These programs are grouped into several career clusters:
- Business & Information Technology
- Communications
- Construction and Building Trades
- Engineering & Manufacturing Technology
- Healthcare
- Transportation
Each year, over 400 industry professionals review and provide input on these programs. This helps ensure that students are learning the most up-to-date skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen fields.
Class Schedules
At Berks Career & Technology Center, students can choose day or evening classes to learn new trades part-time. Courses are offered in-person, online, or as hybrid programs. Many programs also include internships or clinical experiences, which the school helps arrange based on the specific course requirements.
Is Berks Career & Technology Center Legit?
Yes. Berks Career & Technology Center is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Acceptance Rate
Berks Career & Technology Center has an open admission policy. This means that the school’s acceptance rate is at 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Berks Career & Technology Center varies based on your chosen program and residency status. As an in-state or out-of-state student, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 for a basic welding course to $4,100 for a comprehensive carpentry trade prep certificate, according to the school’s latest catalog.
To get a more precise estimate of your tuition costs, we suggest consulting the school’s catalog or using their net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
Healthcare
- Dental Health
- Medical Health
Skilled Trades
- Auto Tech
- Collision
- Cabinetry
- Carpentry
- Construction
- Diesel Mechanics
- Electrician
- Engineering
- Horticulture
- HVAC
- Masonry
- Mechatronics
- Plumbing
- Welding
Services
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
Campus Locations
Leesport 1057 County Welfare Road Leesport PA 19533
Oley 3307 Friedensburg Road Oley PA 19547
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Berks Career & Technology Center – East Campus has a generally positive reputation, particularly for its specialized technical programs and supportive instructors. However, a small but notable number of negative reviews raise serious concerns about bullying, staff conduct, and the school’s communication.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional CDL Program and Instructors: The school receives significant praise for its adult commercial driving (CDL) program. Reviewers highlight the instructors, who are described as caring, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in student success. This program is repeatedly called the best and cheapest in the area.
Positive Learning Environment: Many past and present students describe a “wonderful” and supportive atmosphere. They feel the teachers are “nice” and that they are “treated like a human.” A parent noted that the school’s hands-on approach positively impacted their son’s passion and performance.
Effective Career Preparation: Several alumni from different time periods praise the school for preparing them for their careers. A graduate from over a decade ago credits the school with helping him become a journeyman electrician, and another from a few years ago states they use what they learned every day in their job.
Common Criticisms
Bullying and Discrimination: A few reviewers have made serious claims of bullying and discrimination. One user, who attended in the early 2000s, stated they were teased for being a person of color and for having a disability. A more recent review from a year ago mentions that the administration “doesn’t care” about bullying issues and is “rude.”
Poor Communication and Disorganization: One student reported being denied admission due to an “unprecedented” number of applications. Another reviewer from several years ago expressed frustration after driving 45 minutes for a class that was rescheduled without notice.
Inconsistent Class Quality: While some programs are highly praised, a few reviews mention that the quality of instruction can be inconsistent. One reviewer from five years ago described a small engine repair class as a “waste of money” due to a lack of proper instruction from the teacher. Another review from three years ago alleges a lack of equality for females and a refusal to supply proper personal protective equipment.
Momentum
Based on reviews in Google, the momentum for Berks Career & Technology Center is mostly positive, with recent reviews from the last year or so largely praising the CDL program and its instructors. However, a handful of recent negative reviews highlight serious, ongoing issues with communication and a lack of support for students dealing with bullying. The negative feedback, while not the majority, points to significant problems that continue to surface.