Salem County Vocational Technical School honored Eric M. Krise, owner of Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractors LLC in Elmer as its 2020 Business Partner of the Year.
The award is given annually to a county vocational technical school business partner for outstanding contributions to career and technical education. Business partners play a variety of roles, including serving on county vocational technical school program advisory boards, offering opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience, donating equipment, or serving as mentors and role models for students.
Krise is a graduate of the vocational-technical high school who went on to own multiple businesses. Elmer-based Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractors LLC has more than 80 employees and maintains a fleet of electrical service vehicles. Additionally, the contractor offers plumbing, heating and cooling services and specializes in residential, industrial, and commercial work in the tri-county area of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Along with his wife, Stephanie, Krise operates Electrical Training & Apprenticeship LLC, an electrical training and apprenticeship school in Elmer.
“Eric strongly supports education and training both within his own electrical and HVAC businesses and the Salem County Vocational Technical School District,” said Superintendent John Swain.
Krise, who is member of the district’s Electrical Technology Program Advisory Committee, has employed numerous graduates of the electrical technology program as well as many current students enrolled in the cooperative education program.
In the spring of 2020, the district opened a new “Introduction to Basic Electrical Technology” program for adult students in Salem County.
“When Eric was contacted regarding the opening of this program, he readily offered his support for the students and expert advice,” Swain said.
The superintendent said Krise met with the district administration and offered the use of his facility as an integral part of the program and sponsored the training of new SCVTS electrical trade instructors for the implementation of National Center for Construction Education & Research construction core and electrical curriculum.
Krise also offered an important link to employment within his company by offering 120 hour electrical assistant externships to students upon successfully completing requirements of the “Introduction to Basic Electrical Technology” program.
“Eric further dedicated his time to engage in multiple conversations that supported the career pathway approach to apprenticeships and advanced college credits toward degrees that specialize in energy, electrical science, and engineering at Salem Community College,” Swain said. “Without business partners like Eric Krise who dedicate their time and energy to supporting our students, valuable educational programs offered in high school and postsecondary education would not be made possible.”