Biddeford Center of Technology

As we reach the end of the first semester, we want to take a moment to recognize the hard work and growth our students have shown so far this year. This milestone is an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the semester ahead.

We are also excited to share that our recruiting season is now underway. The application process for prospective students is officially open and available on our website. Once we receive student applications, the instructors will be reaching out to schedule an interview with your child. We encourage families to help spread the word to students who may be interested in exploring the hands-on, career-focused opportunities our programs provide. We are planning to introduce two new programs for next year: Digital Media and Small Engine and Power Equipment Repair. Please see our video below. Our programs fill up quickly, so please coordinate with your child's guidance counselor for the application process.

For students enrolled in two-year programs, we are pleased to report that they have met with our Student Services Coordinator to support thoughtful planning and ensure a seamless transition into their senior year. These meetings help confirm schedules, align academic and career goals, and set students up for continued success.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we move into the second half of the school year. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns at 207-282-1501.

Sincerely,

Paulette Bonneau

Director

BRCOT Course Catalog for 2026-2027

It has been an exciting first semester for our Tech Math students, who successfully germinated, grew, and harvested buttercrunch lettuce using our DWC hydroponics system. Through this hands-on project, students learned the chemical processes required to maintain a healthy crop while collecting and analyzing plant growth data. That data will be used to create linear and other mathematical models to estimate future growth based on days to maturity.

Tech Math is a hands-on course designed for students using key concepts in Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis. Instruction emphasizes real-world application, with project-based learning that helps students clearly see the purpose behind the math skills they are developing. While the hydroponics project was challenging, it was a pleasure to watch the day-to-day progress of the plants and see the results of students’ hard work—skills that directly connect to success in any trade.

2/11/26: Early Release Day
2/16/26-2/20/26: February Break

BRCOT Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students are gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience at both St. André Health Care and MaineHealth’s Biddeford campus — strengthening the local healthcare workforce while preparing the next generation of compassionate caregivers.

During their clinical rotations, students work under the supervision of licensed professionals in real patient-care settings. They assist with daily living activities, basic care needs, infection control, mobility support, nutrition, and other essential tasks that are central to high-quality patient care.

These placements give students exposure to two distinct sides of the healthcare field. At MaineHealth’s Biddeford campus, students experience a fast-paced hospital environment, learning how care teams support patients with a range of medical needs. At St. André Health Care, they gain insight into long-term care and elder-care settings, strengthening their understanding of rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and supportive residential services.

By engaging in both environments, BRCOT CNA students graduate with a well-rounded skill set and the confidence needed to step directly into Maine’s healthcare workforce. This partnership not only benefits students, but also supports local facilities by building a strong pipeline of future caregivers dedicated to serving the Biddeford community.

BRCOT had the honor of hosting Steve Turner, Founder and President of Bring Back the Trades, Inc. (BBTT). BBTT is a non-profit based in Rye, NH dedicated to promoting and empowering careers in the skilled trades. BBTT focuses on awareness, respect, and opportunity for the trades careers by connecting with students, parents, educators, and industry partners.

Scholarships: BBTT provides monthly scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in vocational and skilled trade programs to help reduce financial barriers.
Events & Expos: BBTT hosts Skills Expos, career fairs, and hands-on events where students and families can interact with real trade professionals, explore equipment, and learn about diverse fields like plumbing, welding, HVAC, and more. These events have drawn thousands of attendees and extensive participation from industry partnership in both NH and MA.

Steve’s visit was a great opportunity to showcase our students, faculty, facilities and we are excited for collaboration in the future and what 2026 and beyond will bring!

Students in the Business Education program enhanced their career-readiness skills with help from Pratt & Whitney located in North Berwick, ME. In collaboration with the Career Pathways Office at BRCOT, students researched career roles and completed multiple workshops on how to successfully prepare and navigate professional job interviews. Their final task was to perform a mock interview with Pratt & Whitney staff. After the interview, P&W staff gave thorough feedback to help students be more prepared and confident when they enter the job market in the future.

This fall, the COT hosted an after-school Small Engine Club for Biddeford 8th- and 9th-grade students. The club focused on small engine theory, proper tool use, shop and personal safety, and hands-on, collaborative projects.

During club meetings, students repaired go-karts, mini bikes, string trimmers, and lawn mowers, and disassembled Honda GX series engines. Some participants also completed fiberglass patch repairs commonly used on boats, working with bi-axial cloth, fairing compounds, and two-part epoxies.

Students who maintained at least 70% attendance earned a certificate of completion and a basic set of Craftsman hand tools. Congratulations to all our club members—we hope to see you again in 2026, either in another club offering or enrolled in a Small Engine class at the COT.

First and second-year students in the Engineering and Architectural Design program were joined by members of Bath Iron Works (BIW) to put their knowledge and competitive skills to the test. Presenters from BIW gave an interactive lesson on buoyancy, engineering of ships, and hull shape.

Students were then broken up into small groups and tasked with designing and building two ships: one for speed and one to hold as much cargo as possible. Nothing lights that academic fire like a little competitive spark!

Students had a fantastic day touring Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), where they explored the college’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs. Throughout the visit, they got an inside look at professional kitchens, learned about food preparation and service techniques, and saw how hospitality students train for careers in hotels, events, and customer service.

After the tours, the group enjoyed lunch in the SMCC dining hall—giving them a real taste of campus life. The visit offered students a valuable college experience and a better understanding of the exciting career pathways available in the culinary and hospitality fields.

First and second year students in the Electrical Technology program visited local company EAM in Biddeford, ME. EAM uses cutting edge technology, equipment, and innovation to provide services ranging from component fabrication to engineered automation products and support. Touring this unique facility allowed Electrical Technology students to gain first-hand exposure on how the education and training they are receiving at BRCOT can prepare them for the advanced technology and ever changing career landscape when they graduate.

First and second year students in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program toured Prescott Metal. Located in Biddeford, ME since 1918, Prescott Metal focuses on precision sheet metal fabrication services, frame capabilities, metal finishing and powder coating. With state-of-the-art equipment covering 5,000 sq ft of production space, students watched staff utilize MIG, TIG, SPOT and Laser welding alongside fiber optic laser cutters and punch presses. Another great workplace immersion experience to help students look at opportunities they can put their BRCOT education and training to use!