BEDFORD, Pa. -- Developing a well educated, trained workforce is essential in today's technology-driven society. A growing demand for skilled labor to meet the needs of high-tech industries in Pennsylvania has brought about a big change in the way the Bedford County Technical Center is preparing young people for work in the 21st century.

"We are trying to fill that void by offering programs that have appropriate skills and knowledge so that these students can walk right into a job or after college, fill the need for those high-tech industries," said David DiPasquale, administrative director at the Bedford County Technical Center.

The Agriscience/Biotechnology program at the tech center, for example, is not reflective of the vo-tech school of years' past.

"The program is a neat program. It allows us to teach kids more in-depth science as it relates to careers that may interest them in the future," said Scott Myers, agriscience/biotechnology instructor.

And the program is attracting a broader base of students. Senior Melinda Wilk plans to go on to veterinary school.

"I thought coming here and getting an exposure to lab work would be very beneficial," she explained.

Because the biotech field is such a growth area, the tech center will break ground on a new 4,000 square-feet building in January which will also be utilized by Allegany College of Maryland. Students at the tech center can earn college credit there and at other partner institutions.

Hands-on technical training is emphasized throughout the center's other programs as well -- from carpentry and construction to welding and automotive mechanics, which is as much about electronics and computers as spark plugs and oil filters. Many kids don't realize the academics that are involved, said instructor Tim McLaughlin.

"They really don't at first. And then when they realize it, I say, 'Guys, you just did a math problem.' It was measuring brake rotor on a vehicle, and they say, 'You know, we do need math. We do need electronics. We do need reading comprehension skills."

And it is that combination that gives students the edge they need to compete, according to DiPasquale. "I think one of the important things that all of us realize today is whether we are from an academic high school or a technical center environment, it is a blend of rigorous academic programs and a rigorous career and technology education that is really going to help a student become productive in our society."