ATLANTIC CITY – Viking Yacht Company of New Gretna, Bass River Township , Burlington County , is receiving the second annual School/Business Partnership Award from the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools (OCVTS). The award will be presented at a luncheon sponsored by the New Jersey Council of County Vocational- Technical Schools at the Convention Center Sheraton Hotel on Oct.23.

William L. Librera, New Jersey commissioner of education, and Maude Dahme, president of the New Jersey Board of Education will speak at the event which recognizes business partners in 21 counties who have contributed to vocational and technical education.

OCVTS and Viking Yacht have had a close working relationship since the 1970’s. In 1996 through the Youth Transition to Work program and the Youth Apprenticeship Grant, a formal apprentice agreement was put in place.

The Viking Yacht Company started with the dream of brothers Bob and Bill Healy in 1964. They made a commitment in the early days of their company to develop a quality workforce. Bob and Bill are now respectively chairman and president of the company.

At Viking Yacht, OCVTS students and post-secondary apprentices have the opportunity to learn every aspect of boat building. They work alongside experienced professionals and learn specific trades including design drafting, carpentry, electronics, plumbing and welding.

“The recognition of Viking Yacht is long overdue,” said William P. Hoey Jr., OCVTS superintendent. “The Healy brothers and their staff have helped to train and employ hundreds of our students and we value the continuing partnership,” he added.

Michael Donahue, of Lacey Township , an OCVTS graduate and former instructor at the school, is a recruiter at Viking Yacht. Donahue also served as OCVTS marine trade liaison under the Youth Transition to Work program.

Over 200 state officials, superintendents and local business partners are expected to attend the luncheon. The recognition event will be during the annual fall workshops of the New Jersey School Boards Association, New Jersey Association of School Administrators and the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials.

The New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools is the statewide association of school board members and superintendents representing New Jersey ’s 21 county vocational and technical schools. The schools have an enrollment of 64,000 students.