BREMERTON — Olympic College and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility have jointly received a partner of the year award from the Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT).

These awards, given annually, recognize dedication to Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges and the nearly 386,000 students they serve each year.

PSNS & IMF and OC have successfully partnered on an apprentice program since the 1950s. With leadership from Bryan Watland, training superintendent, the two organizations developed and continually refine the rigorous apprentice program to satisfy the shipyard’s need for skilled trade personnel and shop supervisors.

In addition to the apprentice program, the two organizations have created an education and training program for helpers and entry-level shipyard employees, as well as an after-hours program designed to support the employee’s professional growth.

The Olympic College Board of Trustees nominated PSNS and Watland for the award.

“Our community and technical colleges and states would not be what they are without these awardees,” said Kim Tanaka, the director of ACT. “They and each of the nominees show tremendous dedication to our students, making their education that much more meaningful.”

The ACT awardees represent a wealth of experience and dedication.

The other five awardees are:

— Trustee leadership award: Richard Van Hollebeke, immediate past chairman of Edmonds Community College Board of Trustees.

— Chief executive officer award: Steven VanAusdle, president of Walla Walla Community College.

— Equity award: Highline College Board of Trustees and president Jack Berminham.

— Professional staff member award: Candy Lacher, associate vice president of student services, Big Bend Community College.

— Faculty member award: Patrick Pringle, professor of earth sciences, Centralia College.

Award nominees were submitted by the boards of trustees of the community and technical colleges. The ACT will formally honor the awardees at its spring convention, May 12 in Bellevue.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is led by a governor-appointed board and provides leadership, advocacy and coordination for Washington’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. Each year, about 386,000 students train for the workforce, prepare to transfer to a university, gain basic math and English skills or pursue continuing education. Visit sbctc.edu for more information.

— Edited by Michelle Beahm