2006 Business Partners of the Year
Atlantic – Shore Memorial Hospital
Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) and Shore Memorial Hospital have enjoyed a long and successful partnership. For more than 16 years, the hospital has provided learning experience opportunities for nursing students. The personnel, nurses, aides, technicians, and physicians have been very helpful and gracious to the students and the instructors. These learning experiences include working in the Emergency Room, Intensive/Coronary Care Unit, Telemetry Unit, Operating Room, Same Day Surgery Unit, Recovery Room, Endoscopy, Special Procedures Unit, Radiology, Cancer Center, Dialysis Units, IV/Ambulatory Care Unit, Cardiac Rehab, Pulmonary Rehab, and the Enterostomal Team. The nurses and other health care professionals make the students feel like part of the health care team and include them in as many activities as possible. Representatives from the hospital also serve on the ACIT Academy Advisory Board and helped form the Academy of Health Science and Medicine. Each year they provide job-shadowing and internship opportunities for the students in that academy.
Bergen – Hackensack University Medical Center
Bergen County Technical Schools has partnered with Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) since 1996 through a program called Senior Experience. A number of students are currently interning with staff at HUMC, who serve as mentors. A new initiative allows students to use a remote presence robot to communicate with patients and staff at the hospital. The robot transmits live, interactive footage through a video screen that serves as its “head.” The district acquired the robot after seeing Garth H. Ballantyne, M.D., the Director of The Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute of The Department of Surgery at HUMC, on the evening news, making rounds with patients without actually being present. Through the guidance of Dr. Ballantyne and his staff, students mentor pediatric patients at HUMC through the robot. Future joint projects will enable students to intern in a clinical laboratory there.
Burlington – Cinnaminson Board of Education
A working partnership between the Cinnaminson Board of Education and BCIT has placed more than 25 students in School-to-Work positions under the direction of Peter Galosi since 1999. Mr. Galosi has assigned these students to assist his craftsmen as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and maintenance mechanics. Mr. Galosi takes a sincere interest in the welfare of the program by continuing the vocational-technical training necessary for students to meet the requirements for future employment. When a printing program was discontinued at his location, he saw to it that much of the valuable equipment remained in use in Burlington County by offering it to BCIT. The Cinnaminson Board of Education, through Mr. Galosi, continues to recognize the quality of training and employability of BCIT students, as many students are employed full-time upon graduation.
Camden – The Trump Casino and Hotel Resort
The Trump Casino and Hotel Resort partnership program with Camden County Technical Schools consists of various activities. Trump Tour Days, Speakers in the Classroom, Job Shadowing, Cooperative Education, Advisory Council and the Job Fair address many of our students’ needs each year. Trump Tour Days give educators and students an opportunity to visit the Trump properties and talk with staffing personnel regarding career opportunities. A natural outgrowth of this program is individuals serving in an advisory capacity to the various career and trade programs offered at CCTS. To be considered for the job-shadowing program, students submit an application and interview with the staffing director. Of the 10 students selected from the school to interview, five are chosen to participate. Trump also participates in CCTS’ annual job fair which is attended by high school seniors, and hires many of our students each year.
Cape May – Dr. Jeffery Vecere
Dr. Jeffery Vecere is a local dentist and orthodontics specialist who is always ready to help the Certified Dental Assisting program at the Cape May County Technical School District. Because of this commitment, the partnership between Dr. Vecere and high school and adult students at Cape May Tech is an important part of each student’s educational experience. For more than a decade, his office has been one of the clinical sites where students can observe first-hand the orthodontics specialty in dentistry. Over the years, Dr. Vecere has employed many of our graduates who have an interest in a career with an orthodontics practice. Dr. Vecere is an active member of the Dental Assisting Advisory Council, providing up-to-date information about the skills our students need to be successful in a dental office. His generous contributions of time, equipment and expertise to our dental assisting class and the 9th grade exploratory class have been instrumental in the success of our Dental Assisting program.
Cumberland – Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 322 United Association
Cooperation between Cumberland County Technical Education Center and Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 322 United Association has always been an effort of Educators in the Plumbing HVAC business. In 1994, the program was enhanced and modified to incorporate more up-to-date training and new equipment for better educational opportunities. The newly developed curriculum has helped provide a stepping stone to the ongoing efforts by union organizations to provide higher levels of education. Since the partnership’s inception, nearly 240 students have graduated. Approximately 100 of those students have entered into the Apprenticeship Training Program of UA 322. The assistance granted by the union’s B level residential as well as the commercial A level has given ample opportunities to the serious students looking to build a career in the PHCC business. This ongoing business relationship benefits all parties involved.
Essex – Public Service Electric & Gas Services Corp.
In 2005, Essex County Vocational Technical School (ECVTS) forged a partnership with Public Service Electric & Gas Services Corp. (PSE&G), one of New Jersey’s most stable and essential companies. This joint effort has provided students of ECVTS an opportunity to gain early acceptance into PSE&G’s Associate Degree Program in Utility Technology held at Essex County College. Through the tireless efforts of Project Director Lina Hollman, Director of Talent Management Dana Berkheimer, and CEO Ralph Izzo, this program has grown from 12 students taking college courses at the Bloomfield Center to 24 students attending Essex County College twice a week for two semesters as well as participating in a school release “Job-Shadowing” component. Ms. Hollman has indeed been a friend to the students, staff and administrators of ECVTS in her pursuit of building a bridge between the private sector and the school district.
Gloucester – Booth Radiology
Ralph Travis, the Chief Operating Officer of Booth Radiology has shown commitment and dedication as a member of the Gloucester County Institute of Technology’s Academy of Allied Health and Medical Science Advisory Committee. Mr. Travis has been a valued member since the committee’s inception in 2002. He graciously arranged for all students in the Medical Science Academy to visit Booth Radiology to tour all aspects of the facility. Staff members were available to discuss their various medical fields and explained testing and imaging techniques. Students examined X-rays, MRI and CAT Scan results. Mr. Travis spoke to the students about job opportunities in radiology for possible career pathways. He provided the academy program with a demonstration CD with various test results for students to view in a classroom setting. Mr. Travis interviewed Allied Health students and provided constructive feedback to each student in preparation for their clinical experiences. He has been a valuable business partner and has contributed to the success of the Academy of Allied Health and Medical Sciences.
Hudson – Jones & Associates Communications
Roger Jones has been an active member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology’s (HCST) Business and Information Advisory Council since 2001. Mr. Jones not only serves on the Advisory Council, but has also created an internship program in his own company, Jones & Associates Communications. The internships allow students enrolled in HCST’s Business Occupation Program to experience first-hand the skills they are learning in the classroom and how these are applied in the business world. Specific curriculum topics include customer service skills, computerized accounting, electronic file management, document design and estimating. In his role as Chairman of the Jersey City Employment & Training Commissioner, Mr. Jones has been an advocate for vocational education. During his tenure, the Jersey City Employment & Training has funded a six week summer youth program that exposes special needs and economically disadvantaged students to vocational and technical programs that are not offered at the comprehensive high schools. The Employment & Training has also funded an “Out-of-School Youth Program”. This program provides high school dropouts a chance to complete their high school careers in an alternative setting that offers vocational classes, internships and job placement.
Hunterdon – Raritan Township Police Department
Police Chief Fred Brown of the Raritan Township Police Department was instrumental in helping Hunterdon County Polytech establish its Law and Public Safety program and has continually supported the program since its inception in 2003. Chief Brown continues to serve as a member of Polytech’s Law and Public Safety Advisory Board. Chief Brown has made numerous resources of the Raritan Township Police Department available to the students. Officers frequently make presentations to the class on the elements of patrol, procedures used in traffic stops, SWAT Team tactics, accident investigations and other topics. During the month of May, all of the 29 Law Enforcement students participated in a job-shadowing program allowing each student to observe in the field what they have learned in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to ride along in Raritan Township Police vehicles because of the efforts of Chief Brown, who continually promotes the program with the Police Chiefs Association.
Mercer – Bear Creek Assisted Living
Bear Creek Assisted Living has partnered with Mercer County Technical Schools since 2002. Though an interdisciplinary year-round project, the 75 students enrolled in the Culinary Arts, Cosmetology and Health and Child Care programs are immersed into the service industry. The students practice competency skills to develop relationships with area professionals, and the Bear Creek visitors to the Sypek Center have the opportunity to experience services prepared, planned and presented by students. Field trip opportunities provide students the flexibility to use their skills outside of the school environment. The adults benefit from the interaction with the high school students and develop strong lasting relationships, and through the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a practical, hands-on, skills-based manner, the students gain real-world experience. The innovative, interactive nature of the project makes it exciting and rewarding for all participants.
Middlesex – STS Tire & Auto Center
Since 1990, STS Tire & Auto Center has been a key source of employment for our automotive students. Originally, STS requested experienced auto mechanics. After explaining the co-op program, they decided to take on a student. Since then, STS has hired more than 20 students. They recognized Middlesex Vocational and Technical students to be well-trained in the area of general auto maintenance and felt they could professionally develop our students into the auto mechanics needed for their company. The company’s representatives have taken time from their busy schedules to speak to students on career day, participate in job fairs and attend advisory meetings and Cooperative Education dinners. STS has been presented with the district’s Cooperative Education Award for active and continuous support of vocational education. Annually, STS honors exceptional students in automotive programs from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania with the Jack Apgar Award, a plaque and a monetary award.
Monmouth – Branning Institute of Collision Repair Technology
Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) has developed an exciting new partnership with the Branning Institute of Collision Repair Technology to effectively create an exciting work-based, offsite learning opportunity for shared-time Auto Collision students. Branning Institute has established a state-of-the-art facility complete with a working classroom and shop for students. Under class supervision by a MCVSD Auto Collision instructor, seniors work and learn by performing classroom instruction and hands-on training both in the Branning Institute and in their new large main production collision facility where students are exposed to customer relations, auto rentals, repair orders, estimates, auto detailing and all forms of collision repair. This dynamic partnership with Branning Institute empowers students with the cutting-edge skills that are mandatory in today’s auto collision service industry.
Morris – The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 620
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 620 has been instrumental in keeping our carpentry program abreast of current and future market demands regarding the need for highly skilled laborers within the building industry. The carpenters union has emphasized to students that field skills and education are both essential for success in the skilled trades industry. Therefore, they have offered our students a comprehensive four-year apprentice program and the opportunity to accumulate college credits that would apply to either a two- or four-year college degree. The carpenters union has partnered with the carpentry program offering on-site visits as part of the YTTW grant program and a yearly tour of their training facility for the past six years. This relationship has resulted in many of our students joining the union and becoming carpenters.
Ocean – Pine Belt Chevrolet
Pine Belt Chevrolet Shop Foreman Steve Zboray has gone out of his way to accommodate students and instructors at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). Each year, he has allowed OCVTS to send 60 students to job shadowing and CIE experiences. Representing Pine Belt Chevrolet, Mr. Zboray has served on the General Advisory Committee, Automotive Advisory Committee and participated in professional development activities. Since 1990, Pine Belt has hired many students and provided them with training opportunities. The company participates in the Automotive Youth Education Systems program, providing junior OCVTS students the opportunity to gain dealership experience. Mr. Zboray and his mechanics have also served on the NATEF certification and recertification teams.
Passaic – STS Tire & Auto Center
STS Tire & Auto Center has partnered with Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) consistently since 2000. This partnership has provided about 140 students with work-based learning opportunities through shadowing, internships, and cooperative education, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. STS Tire and Auto Center provides technical assistance for our automotive technology instructors and donates equipment for student training. This business partner participates in the Automotive Youth Educational System’s tool scholarship program and has offered an additional scholarship to PCIT students every year. STS serves on the advisory committee recommending suggestions for updating the automotive technology curriculum and equipment. In addition, the company provides trained and certified ASE technicians as motivational guest speakers. This partnership has assisted the district in obtaining established goals and in developing skills for our students to sustain themselves as adults in the workforce.
Salem – Memorial Hospital of Salem County
Memorial Hospital of Salem County is a 150-bed acute care facility owned by Community Health Systems. CHS purchased the non-profit hospital in 2002 and has continued and expanded the long partnership with the community and Salem County Vocational Technical School (SCVTS). Over the years, the hospital and staff have contributed significantly to the success of students enrolled in the Salem County Career and Technical High Schools’ Allied Health Professionals and Academy of Biological and Medical Sciences programs. The hospital has provided opportunities for students to be exposed to many career options through clinical and mentoring experiences. The hospital has shared the expertise of its staff by providing representatives to serve on district CTE and academy program advisory committees and on the district community advisory board. Hospital CEO James Angle serves on the SCVTS Educational Foundation Board of Trustees and is an ardent supporter of SCVTS.
Somerset – John F. Healy
John F. Healy is a charter member of the Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS) Foundation, which was established in 1994. Mr. Healy, a retired vice president of AT&T Long Lines, was instrumental in launching Somerset County Technology Institute’s Fiber Optics Technician Training Program. Due to Mr. Healy’s efforts, AT&T donated thousands of dollars worth of fiber optics equipment and assisted in developing the hands-on curriculum for the program. Mr. Healy continues to provide leadership and organizational expertise for activities that support scholarships and enrichment programs for more than 800 students at the adult Technology Institute and the Vocational High School. He is presently serving as vice president of the SCVTS Foundation and is overseeing a reorganization of the Board of Directors.
Sussex – Ideal Industries
Roseanna Reese, Senior Area Sales Manager for Ideal Industries, provides ongoing support services to the Electrical Trades shop at Sussex County Technical School. She hosts an annual training seminar that culminates in a “Conduit Bending” contest between Electrical Trades and Environmental Systems (HVAC) students. Ideal Industries donates electrical tools as prizes for this contest, which has been an annual event for the past ten years. Ms. Reese is a liaison between our Electrical Trades shop and the electrical industry and has arranged for our instructor and students to receive invitations to dinner meetings with local electrical unions. Last year, Ms. Reese was instrumental in establishing a scholarship, which was awarded to a graduate from our Electrical Trades program. She maintains an outstanding rapport with the students, who look forward to future “Conduit Bending” contests and scholarship opportunities for many more years to come.
Union – Wakefern Food Corporation
The Union County Vocational-Technical High School formed a partnership between Wakefern Food Corporation, Shop Rite Stores, Inc. and the district’s self-contained special needs supermarket program. The partnership, now in its second year, places strong emphasis on the integration of career awareness and planning, with the teaching of employability skills in a real-time situation. By transporting students to a local supermarket three days per week, the off-site supermarket becomes the classroom where students engage in structured learning. The program creates an extension of an approved vocational program at a remote site while creating a student experience that exemplifies teamwork, leadership and interpersonal communication. This partnership also enables each student to assess his or her own personal qualities and correlate those with qualities necessary to obtain and hold a job within the industry. Finally, the program raises student awareness of academic and career skills necessary for success in school and the community, including decision-making, punctuality, time management and teamwork.
Warren – Thomas & Betts
Thomas & Betts has been an integral company, partnering with Warren County Technical School since 1995. Dedicated to enriching educational opportunities, this company has employed machinists and drafting students in our cooperative industrial program and promoted shadowing opportunities that help guide students with their career choices. Thomas & Betts has also been an active participant in our apprenticeship program, utilizing our school for continuing education needed for training its apprentices. In addition, during Operation Desert Storm, Thomas & Betts supplied our culinary department with boxes and all the support needed to send cookies to our troops. Thomas & Betts is an asset to our programs, and Warren County Technical School looks forward to our continuing relationship as a cooperative business partner.
