Berks Technical Institute Adds Two New Training Programs to its Skilled Trades Catalog Including Electrical and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration
New Programs Start September 12 and Feature Industry-Recognized NCCER Curricula
(WYOMISSING, PA) September 15, 2022 – A recent ECMC Group national survey of high school students shows that 22% are more likely to attend a career and technical college because of the pandemic, up 10 points from May 2020. The survey also found that more than half of those students believe a skills-based education is more applicable in the current environment, partly due to lower institutional costs and a shorter timeline to enter the workforce. Recognizing this trend in education, Berks Technical Institute has launched two new skilled trade programs including Electrical and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, & Basic Refrigeration (HVAC/BR).
“After graduating high school, many young adults are skipping the traditional four-year degree in favor of a skilled trade so they can enter the workforce sooner and begin making money,” said Bill Myers, National Program Director for Trades Programs at Ancora Education, a network of post-secondary and vocational schools, including Berks Technical. “BTI’s new programs offer a great path for students to develop new skills in a safe classroom setting with passionate instructors who can help shape our future leaders. By gaining training at BTI, students are able to walk into real-world situations with confidence.”
Of special note for students enrolling in the school’s Electrical and HVAC/BR programs, BTI is now partnering with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), a leading education foundation for the construction industry. As partners, BTI will incorporate NCCER’s curriculum into these new skilled trades programs.
“We are proud to offer this benefit to our students who are working toward careers in construction. After completing their programs at BTI and beginning their job search, graduates can share that their training included NCCER curricula. This is a benefit for our employer partners as well who will now have access to students with NCCER credentials across emerging trades fields,” said Andrea Snow, SVP of Academics & Career Services at Ancora Education.
“Building meaningful partnerships is key to a successful career and technical education program. With workforce shortages continuing to grow, a clear pathway from school to industry is needed now more than ever,” said NCCER President and CEO Boyd Worsham. “By working with Berks Technical to offer some of our most popular curricula to students, we are working together to help create solutions that forge successful pathways to lifelong careers.”
** Berks Technical Institute does not guarantee third-party certification. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by Berks Technical but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to Berks Technical. Therefore, Berks Technical cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
About Berks Technical Institute
Berks Technical Institute, conveniently located in Wyomissing, PA, offers nine training programs in Business, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Skilled Trades. Students receive hands-on learning experiences in smaller class settings and additional support beyond program completion. Graduates have access to externships (depending on the program) and career assistance, as well as military and veteran services, which includes guidance from our Career Services team, resume updates, workshops, and more. Learn more at www.berks.edu.
About National Center for Construction Education and Research
NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created by the construction industry to develop standardized curriculum and assessments with portable credentials and certifications for skilled craft professionals. NCCER provides a comprehensive workforce development system that includes accreditation, training, assessment, certification and career development solutions for the construction and maintenance industries. For more information, visit www.nccer.org or contact NCCER customer service at 888.622.3720.
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