The Berks County Intermediate Unit has relaunched its Career Ready Berks platform, an online system that aims to connect students with career exploration experiences and local employers.

Career Ready Berks is an alliance developed by school districts, post-secondary institutions, businesses and business organizations to provide resources and training programs to the county’s 70,000 students, according to the Career Ready Berks website.

Through the platform, educators can connect directly with employers offering job shadowing, internships, workplace tours, guest speaking engagements and other experiences.

“The platform is designed to support students in gaining valuable career exposure and developing the skills necessary for future success,” Jill Darlington, assistant program administrator, Office of Professional Learning at the BCIU, said in a release. “By strengthening these partnerships, we are investing in the talent within our community and encouraging students to build their futures right here in Berks County.”

The Career Ready Berks initiative supports students and schools in their efforts to meet state career readiness benchmarks, the BCIU said in the release.

The relaunched platform makes it easier for students, educators and businesses to collaborate, officials said.

Career Ready Berks now features updated business contacts and enhanced tools that enable educators to easily find, request and coordinate opportunities for students.

Local businesses interested in joining the Career Ready Berks network can fill out a provider request form on the website.

Educators can log into their account to browse available experiences and connect students to opportunities that align with classroom learning and individual interests.

The site also offers information on locally in-demand jobs along the following career pathways: engineering and industrial technology, business, finance and information technology, health and science, and arts and communications.

The database can be searched by career pathway, ZIP code, business name or the type of experience you are looking for.

To learn more or to access the platform, visit careerreadyberks.org.