About Us
Building Pathways to Education, Employment, and Career Success
Founded in 2019, the Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation, doing business as Tec Centro Berks, was established to create workforce development opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment throughout Berks County. The organization was developed following conversations among community leaders, stakeholders, and partners who recognized the need for a workforce training model focused on economic mobility, education, and career pathways for underserved residents in the city of Reading and surrounding communities.
One year after incorporation, Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation successfully obtained official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Early philanthropic support from organizations including the Wyomissing Foundation and Santander Bank helped establish the foundation for what is now known throughout the region as Tec Centro Berks.
Since its inception, Tec Centro Berks has benefited from the leadership, vision, and commitment of a dedicated Board of Directors composed of diverse community and business leaders who have helped guide the organization’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability. Through governance, advocacy, technical expertise, and community partnerships, the Board has played a critical role in advancing the mission and expansion of the organization. Equally important has been the impact of the Tec Centro Berks staff team, whose daily commitment and hands-on work directly support students and community members. From instructors and case managers to community navigators, program staff, and leadership, the Tec Centro Berks team serves as the “feet on the ground,” working tirelessly to remove barriers, provide support services, and create opportunities that lead individuals toward economic self-sufficiency and long-term success.
In July 2021, Tec Centro Berks purchased its first property located at 450 South 6th Street in Reading, Pennsylvania, which currently serves as the organization’s headquarters and technical training center. The acquisition of this facility allowed Tec Centro Berks to significantly expand workforce development programming, adult education services, digital literacy initiatives, employment services, and supportive services for the community.
Since opening its doors, Tec Centro Berks has experienced significant organizational growth and community impact. Today, the organization provides workforce training programs in Allied Health, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Culinary Arts, Commercial and Residential Plumbing, Pre-Apprenticeship, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), Digital Literacy, and employment services. Through strategic partnerships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations, Tec Centro Berks has successfully connected hundreds of individuals to workforce training and employment opportunities in high-demand industries throughout Berks County.
As demand for skilled trades programming continued to grow, Tec Centro Berks achieved another major milestone in 2025 with the purchase of a second property located at 433 Pearl Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. This facility will serve as the organization’s dedicated Trades Center and represents a transformational expansion of its workforce development efforts. The Pearl Street location will house current and future trades programming, including Facilities Maintenance, HVAC, Electro-Mechanical, Welding, Plumbing, Forklift, and CDL training programs.
The development of the Pearl Street Trades Center is being completed in phases, with initial renovations focused on achieving occupancy and launching training operations, followed by larger-scale capital improvements to support long-term expansion. The addition of this second location positions Tec Centro Berks as one of the region’s leading workforce development organizations dedicated to addressing labor shortages, supporting economic development, and creating pathways to family-sustaining careers for residents throughout Berks County.
Today, Tec Centro Berks continues to expand its impact by combining workforce training, adult education, supportive services, and employer partnerships to strengthen the local workforce and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across the community.
Mission
The mission of the Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation (Tec Centro Berks) is to eliminate barriers and create pathways to economic mobility by empowering Latinos and all residents of Berks County through education, workforce training, and economic opportunities that lead to family-sustaining careers, financial independence, stronger families, and thriving communities.
Vision
Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation (Tec Centro Berks) envisions a Berks County where every resident—especially Latino families—has access to the opportunities, skills, and support needed to achieve economic mobility, financial stability, and a prosperous future.
FACTS ABOUT Berks
0
Population Estimates, 7/1/2019
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Reading city, Pennsylvania
0
%
Hispanic or Latinos
Living in the City of Reading/Berks
0
%
High School Graduates
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2014-2018
0
%
Persons in Poverty
Median household income (in 2018 dollars), 2014-2018 $30,087
Why Choose Us
Professional Service You Can Count On
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Best Price Guaranteed
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Finance Analysis
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Professional Team
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Today, Tec Centro Berks offers programs and services that support both personal and professional advancement, including Adult Basic Education, HiSET preparation, ESL, Digital Literacy, Allied Health training, Trades training, Employment Services, and Community Navigation. The organization does more than provide classes. It walks alongside participants through their journey, helping them strengthen their abilities, pursue credentials, and prepare for employment and long-term success.
As the organization continues to expand, Tec Centro Berks has recently acquired a second location in Reading to support the growth of its skilled trades programming. This expansion reflects a forward-thinking vision: to continue increasing access to training, develop a stronger workforce, and help more individuals contribute to the local economy. By investing in people, Tec Centro Berks is helping build a stronger community for Berks County today and for the future.
