Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) proudly recognizes Cold Technology, a respected commercial heating, air and refrigeration company based in Blackwood, as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. This strong and growing partnership reflects the very best of career and technical education, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience and preparing students for a successful transition into a high-demand trade.
The collaboration between CCTS and Cold Technology has become a vital bridge between education and employment, offering students valuable opportunities through a structured co-op program that allows them to gain hands-on experience while completing their education. What began just two years ago with a few exploratory co-op placements has evolved into a robust and mutually beneficial partnership. Today, Cold Technology is not only a reliable employer but also an active recruiter of CCTS graduates for full-time positions, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to supporting student success.
After laying the groundwork for the partnership last year, the company expanded its involvement significantly by bringing on two students, hiring one graduate for full-time employment, and expressing plans to hire an additional student. This growing investment signals Cold Technology’s genuine belief in the potential of CCTS students and the company’s dedication to helping build the region’s future workforce. CCTS could not ask for anything more from a business partner.
The company’s leadership team, composed of proud graduates of the CCTS HVAC/R Program from the 1970s and 1980s, has made it a priority to give back to CCTS in meaningful ways. The Cold Technology team’s involvement extends far beyond offering job placements; members of the Cold Technology team regularly visit classrooms to speak with students about the HVAC/R industry, discuss workforce expectations and share real-life insights that help align academic training with employer needs. The willingness of Cold Technology professionals to engage directly with students ensures that CCTS learners receive a clear and accurate understanding of the skills, professionalism and technical knowledge needed to thrive in the field.
“Our partnership with Cold Technology represents the very best of what our program strives to achieve. As former graduates of our HVAC Program, the owners have come full circle, now investing their time, expertise and resources into helping the next generation of technicians succeed,” said Frank Fisher, CCTS HVAC instructor. “Their continued support provides our students with invaluable real-world experience, meaningful employment opportunities and first-hand exposure to modern supermarket refrigeration systems. We’re proud to recognize them as our Business Partner of the Year.”
Lisa Lord, CCTS manager of district workforce and career development, added, “We are incredibly proud to recognize Cold Technology as our Business Partner of the Year…What truly sets the company apart is the active role it takes in training our students, providing hands-on experience and mentorship that helps them reach the next level in their careers. Cold Technology’s investment in our future workforce is both inspiring and invaluable.”
Cold Technology’s leadership expressed the same enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are humbled and truly honored to be named 2025 Business Partner of the Year,” said Frank Vadino Sr. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with CCTS and helping to ensure that students are well prepared and highly competitive in today’s workforce.”
