By MediaNews Grou
PUBLISHED: July 15, 2023 at 2:22 PM EST
Berks Career and Technology Center students competed at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference against thousands of career and technical education students from the United States in Atlanta from June 19-23.
Students tested their skills as they worked against the clock and other competitors to prove their expertise in various industries including mechatronics, masonry, cosmetology, automotive service, cabinetmaking, and television (video) production. Industry partners run these events guided by the competencies that are demanded by their industry. Out of the 15 BCTC students at the competition, three students were named among the top three in the nation in a category and awarded a bronze medal for their talents and knowledge of their skills.
Rising Daniel Boone Area School District senior Isaac Kremer and 2023 Wilson School District graduate Trevor Bilodeau, both mechatronics engineering technology students at BCTC, finished third in the mechatronics competition. In that category, competitors had to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people from different areas of expertise. The competition consisted of three events designed to measure the skills required in the modern automated manufacturing environment. Competitors are required to assemble, adjust and test an automated machine system, troubleshoot and repair a faulty machine system and take a comprehensive written test.
The competition elements have been designed to be as realistic as possible, closely resembling the tasks and activities of modern automation professionals. In addition, there was an individual oral interview.
Brandywine Heights Area School District 2023 graduate Samuel Berryman, a BCTC masonry student, was awarded the bronze medal for his skills. Masonry competitors constructed a composite brick and block project in a six-hour period that tested their ability to meet industry standards in quality. In addition to a written exam, students are judged on the most frequently used details in masonry construction.
“BCTC is extremely proud of all the student competitors. The students had to come in first place at the SkillsUSA district and state contests before they were even allowed to compete at the national level,” BCTC Executive Director Dr. Michael Stauffer said in the release. “To have three BCTC students as the nation’s top three in their respected field reflects the work and commitment our students and instructors have year-round.”
BCTC provides technical education and career preparation to 16 school districts, nonpublic schools, and adults. BCTC operates two campuses in Leesport and Oley and is governed by a Joint Operation Committee comprised of school board members from each of the 16 sponsoring districts. BCTC was founded in 1968 and is regarded as one of the premier career and technical education facilities in the state.