Biddeford Center of Technology
March 9, 2022
Dear Parents, Students, and Families,
We are continuing to take applications for the 2022-23 school year. It is not too late to apply but our programs are in high demand so I urge your child not to put off applying. We are holding our Virtual Academic Fair this Thursday, March 10th from 5:30-6:30. The link is:
https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/86305921469
Our instructors will be available to explain their programs and answer any questions you may have.
Of the 19 programs we offer, Residential Carpentry and our Plumbing program are our Program Highlight choices for this month.
Residential Construction
Our new Residential Construction instructor Allan Henri has hit the ground running as lead contractor and foreman for the Doran Field Concession Stand project in collaboration wth our City's Recreation Department. Henri and his second-year students have spent most mornings on the job site and recently completed the windows and doors, to the press box and are currently working on siding and interior framing. These students are on the job in snow or rain, just as any crew would be, and I continue to be impressed with their maturity and work ethic. We’re 70% done but this is where the project will get really interesting. The program does live projects working with city department (including Saco) and other non-profit organizations. Students gain real work experience interfacing with the customer and working with other disciplines to complete projects. Additionally, Mr. Jokinen has led the OSHA 10 certification for our Construction Trade this month. This OSHA gives students an additional credential that employers appreciate.Plumbing and Heating Program
Our plumbing students have been quite busy with their instructor Mr. Fred Jokinen. Students have been busy installing piping for two bathrooms and a kitchen at the Doran Field Athletic Concessions and the Announcers building. Like any tradesman these days, Jokinen already has jobs lined up and waiting when Doran Field is completed. His students are looking forward to installing the water fountains and water fillers in three different Biddeford schools: Kennedy Elementary, Biddeford Intermediate, and the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. Students are learning by doing and move beyond the text book. Students earn hours towards their Maine Journeyman's license as well as earn their OSHA certification.
Safety in the workplace is a top priority as any injuries can lead to delays, as mistakes and shortcuts can be devastating. Live projects like these help bring theory to life and help students build confidence in their future trade.
Are our programs only for boys? NO! We encourage students to enroll in their programs of interest regardless of their gender. We have many non-traditional students in our programs that are successful and thrive in their discipline. Don't short change yourself of the many opportunities available to you.
Applications can be found at https://brcot.enrolltrack.com/StudentPortal.
Besides the above programs, we offer programming in the following career clusters: Business Management and Administration, Health Sciences, Marketing and Sales, Technology, Education and Teaching, Auto sector Engineering and Architecture, STEM, Public Safety and Manufacturing. All of these clusters offer a range of career options and career pathways. Our classes provide core academic skills, technical and job-specific skills, and employability skills. We encompass high-tech in-demand skills such as robotics, informational technology, and mobile app development. Even in traditional programs such as automotive repair or electrical technology, students are learning new technical, interpersonal, and entrepreneurial skills. Our electrical students are learning how to wire "smart houses." Our industries change rapidly and we remain agile to teach students with the most up-to-date information and equipment.
Upcoming Dates:
- March 10-National Technical Honor Society Induction-Live link: : https://meet.google.com/xrd-avdb-nzk
- March 10-Virtual Academic Fair -https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/86305921469
- April 6-Early Release Day
Best regards,
Paulette Bonneau
Director
COVID-19 UPDATE
Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition Calling All Youth
Project Alliance, a division of the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition, is looking for motivated youth who want to make a difference in their community and support their peers to join our new youth leadership council. Project Alliance's work is guided by youth input and youth involvement. Those who want to participate will get free training opportunities, volunteer and leadership experience, chances to join in and bring activities to your school, and support topics cared about by their peers. If you are interested, please contact Morgan at mbates3@une.edu for more information and follow our youth Instagram @chccyouth.