Admission Requirements: Adults, out-of-school youths, and students at least 18 years of age may attend BCTC Continuing Education courses. Depending on circumstances, students under the age of 18 may attend after completion of Form CE-136 (Continuing Education Department Request for Permission to attend Adult Evening Courses).

Evening Course Academic Requirements: Ability to read, write, and speak English. Statement: BCTC classes are currently taught in English.

Books/Material Fees: Trade Prep Course textbooks, that are a requirement of the course, are included in the class fee. Textbooks are additional for the Apprenticeship programs and must be purchased by the end of the first week of class. Resources to purchase these items can be found here. Material fees are included in the course fee.

Course Fees: All fees must be paid in full at least 5 business days prior to the start of class. Course fees cover the cost of instruction and maintaining school equipment. Fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover® or company purchase order. Fees are NOT refundable or transferable to another student after the start of class. If you are an employer or have questions about payment plans, please contact the Continuing Education Department.

Class Cancellation: The Continuing Education Program Coordinator at BCTC reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any class due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. All students will be notified via phone or mail of class cancellations. If a course is cancelled by Berks Career and Technology Center, all students will be refunded 100% of the cost of pre-paid tuition and fees. Course dates & times are subject to change based on school calendar and weather conditions.

Class Confirmation: A confirmation of enrollment will be mailed/emailed to the address/email address listed on the registration. Students should report to class on the first scheduled night of class unless informed otherwise.  If unsure where to report, please check in at the Continuing Education office located at A-2 at the assigned campus for the course and you will be guided to the classroom.

Refund Policy: Refund requests are subject to a $35 processing fee. A full refund will be provided if the course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. Please allow four to six weeks to process a refund.  If a student cannot attend the first scheduled class, he/she must contact the Continuing Education office 48 hours prior to the first night of class, or no refund will be given.  Tuition is non-refundable after the start of class.

Registrations: Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Register early. All classes are subject to enrollment minimums. Students that wait until the last minute to register may find the class is cancelled, full, or rescheduled. Please help by registering early to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Class Attendance: All students are expected to attend classes regularly and to make satisfactory progress in their course. It is the instructor/program coordinator’s sole discretion as to whether any absence is justified, or if satisfactory progress is being made in the course. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Instructors will note when a student arrives late or leaves early or is frequently absent or tardy. Students are allowed 6 missed absences per year to receive certification. Apprentices please see the Apprenticeship Attendance Policy.

Grading System: Grades are not generally issued for short courses. Enrollees receive a Certificate of Completion based on attendance and course requirements. Exceptions to this are courses that require a passing grade which is determined by the Accrediting Agency ( i.e. PA State Inspection and Emissions) or for longer term programs. Some evening programs are Competency based and require the student to perform tasks to a satisfactory level in order to receive a Certificate of Competency for the program.

Facilities: The school is designed to train students in the vocational fields and offers state of the art equipment. Our program areas are reviewed twice a year by volunteers from business/industry to ensure our curriculum, equipment, and the safety aspects of our labs meet the needs of the community.  Please keep the following information in mind as you attend a course at Berks Career and Technology Center:

• Hazards may be present in the use of any type of shop tool or equipment. Registrants for classes through the Continuing Education Department assume full responsibility for their own welfare and protection. Our instructors will make every effort to train students in the proper use and care of equipment prior to allowing students to work on the equipment.

• In order to comply with state safety regulations, students working in hazardous areas must wear safety goggles (one pair provided per course, if you lose your glasses, they are available for purchase in the Continuing Education office) and wear the proper attire as identified by the instructor.

• Smoking is not allowed anywhere on school grounds (including in vehicles).  Please refrain from smoking until you are completely off campus. Abuse of this policy will likely result in a fine and/or termination from a registered course.

Food/Refreshments: All food and refreshments are to be confined to the cafeteria or designated areas within the Continuing Education Department before the start of class or during the break time designated by the instructor.

Entrance/Exits: The primary entrance/exit for Continuing Education are the doors labeled A2 on the right hand side of the building.  All doors are to remain closed and locked at all times, including garage door.

School Closings: In the event that the day school is closed, then evening courses are automatically cancelled. School closings will also be posted on the school’s website or call 610-743-7630.