BIDDEFORD — For generations, residents have been trying to close the state’s talent gap, create more and better opportunities for students and shape Maine’s economic engine to be able to compete in the 21st century. 

Yet few know that one of the most valuable partners in that mission can be found at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, a school poised to help students acquire academic, career and industry-recognized technical skills that will lead them for successful careers and accelerated entry into a new highly skilled workforce or a post-secondary education program. 

According to Paulette Bonneau, Biddeford Regional Center of Techology director, the school is instrumental to the continued development of a successful and productive community and economy. 

“All of the programs offered here will enhance the careers of students,” Bonneau said. “Students learn critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. We provide them with opportunities to explore what they want to do.”

BRCOT provides career and technical education for students from Biddeford, Kennebunk and Old Orchard Beach high schools and Thornton Academy. Students have access to hands-on learning, career pathways, college credit with Maine’s post-secondary institutions, national industry certifications, employability skills, safety training and technical preparation.   

Bonneau said the best aspect of the school is that is creates opportunities for students to be successful.

“We empower students to develop the attributes and skills necessary to become successful citizens, workers and leaders,” she said.  

Courses offered by the BRCOT prepare students for 21st century careers and lucrative professions.

Tracey Collins, BRCOT Career Pathways Coordinator, said when student instruction is coupled with a thriving internship program based upon employer demand, the future is bright for anyone choosing to take courses at the school.

“It’s intensive and a fast path to careers. They can write their own ticket about what they want from life,” Collins said. “For me, this is the state’s best kept secret when it comes to education.”

Instruction is based on standards that have been verified by industry and taught by instructors who have worked in the field and credentialed to teach in the content area.

Courses range from Business and Financial Management, Medical Assisting, Legal Studies, Health Assistant/CNA, Automotive Technology, to Welding and Metal Fabrication. There are classes in precision machining, crime scene investigation, plumbing, real estate, heating. residential construction and remodeling, electrical technology, early childhood education, auto body technology, civil engineering, technical writing, drywall installation, computer technology, accounting, and investing and personal finance. 

Students also can be dual-enrolled and earn college credits while learning at BRCOT.

Collins said that the high school graduation rate for students enrolled in a BRCOT course is higher than the state average, and attributed that to their level of engagement in their courses.

“Many of the most in-demand jobs in Maine from automotive, machining, engineering and healthcare go unfulfilled,” she said. “For Maine’s economy to grow, and for Maine’s people to prosper, we need to close the credential cap. That is where Career Technical Education schools come in and Biddeford is home to one of these 27 institutions.”

She said that Maine lags behind the rest of New England in population with college degree
or credential hovering around 50 percent.  However, more than 72 of BRCOT students go to college and many are also entering the workforce right out of school into highly sought after jobs in
manufacturing and other well-paying industries.

“CTE students have a higher school graduation rate 90 percent in Maine than traditional high schools,” Collins said. “Our students must apply, and be accepted, into our programs and our curriculum is some of the most rigorous around, especially in mathematics.”

And the rigorous classwork also produces another often overlooked result. 

“We help them build confidence and they in turn produce something they can feel good about,” Bonneau said.

With space at the school currently at 44,224 square feet, Bonneau said the BRCOT may have reached the limits for its current facility, but is optimistic that sometime soon, the demand for services offered by the school could lead to a new building and additional 21st century occupations to train for.

“We’d like to offer cosmetology in our service area and perhaps a culinary arts program,” she said. “We would also like to expand our health occupations by adding EMT programs and instruction.”

During a recent stop at a manufacturing facility in York County, U.S. Sen. Angus King said he is a strong supporter of technical education for Maine students.

“From jet engines to L.L. Bean boots to semiconductors to two-by-fours, Maine is uniquely positioned to leverage a wide range of manufacturing jobs that can create opportunities and help Maine people thrive,” King said. “Virtually every business I go to in Maine, whether it be north, south, east, or west – they need good people, they need qualified workers. With over 1,000 manufacturing jobs open in our state right now, it is great to highlight the importance of manufacturing for our economy and show young people they can find good-paying jobs right here in Maine.” 

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com