As NJCCVTS Executive Director, Jackie Burke is the point person for the critical collaboration that connects businesses with county vocational-technical schools. Those schools thrive with the support of over 3,500 active business partnerships that include companies, small business, government agencies and unions.
“The role our local business partners play in the success of our schools cannot be overstated,” Burke explained. “They are the reason our schools can proactively prepare students for the economic needs of the state and can create a critical pipeline of well trained graduates for employers as they struggle to find qualified workers.
Burke was recognized in March 2022 as a strong leader among ROI-NJ’s Women in Business influencers, a testament to her success as an advocate for career and technical education (CTE) programs statewide. Her determination helped pass the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond while promoting the value of CTE. Today, those funds are enabling New Jersey county vocational-technical school districts to expand programming and classroom capacity. As Burke’s time with the council has grown, so has the number of valuable business partnerships she has helped form.
With thousands of already established partnerships and many more forming in the future, a mutually beneficial relationship exists between county vocational-technical schools and the businesses providing them with mentors, classroom lecturers, employers, and advisors. The council’s efforts, led by Burke, encourage businesses to become business partners, and are at the root of a strengthening statewide workforce.
Burke was also recognized in February as an ROI-NJ Influencer under the category of Associations & Organizations. She was additionally recognized in May as an ROI-NJ Influencer for Manufacturing 2022.
