THE chief executives of the Public School System, Northern Marianas College and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute aim to develop and expand the local workforce in preparation for the end of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker or CW-1 visa program on Dec. 31, 2029.
The federal CW-1 visa program allows qualified CNMI employers to hire foreigners who are otherwise ineligible to work under any other U.S. nonimmigrant worker categories.
During a meeting on Jan. 30, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, NMC President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero and NMTech CEO Jodina Attao identified seven industries that have potential for growth and development for local graduates on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
These are construction, food preparation, personal care, technology, agricultural science, business and finance.
PSS, NMC and NMTech have been meeting monthly since last year to identify potential industries and job opportunities for local graduates.
“We’re trying to help locals find a job or career placement through apprenticeship and/or internship,” Ada told Variety.
He noted that PSS started offering a construction course last year at Tanapag Middle School with about 35 students signing up for the program.
Deleon Guerrero, for his part, said the college is already in the process of offering a master’s degree in teaching and special education this summer.
Ada said through the PSS Career Technical Education Program, a course on cosmetology will be offered to high school students.
NMTech will also offer an additional course that leads to a national certification in cosmetology, Attao added.
“This is geared toward locally trained barbers (hairstylists and cosmetologists),” Ada said. “PSS and NMTech are working with Guam Trades Academy on this high-demand career.”
Attao said they have invited acting CNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler to their next monthly meeting.
“We all want to produce local workers through, among other things, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and find ways to support them,” Attao added.
Education Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, and Northern Marianas Technical Institute Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao pose for a photo during their meeting on Jan. 30, 2023.
Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna tours a GCA Trades Academy construction classroom at GCA’s Barrigada, Guam facility.
At the GCA Trades Academy on Guam, the career courses include cosmetology.
The classroom for the cosmetology, barber and hair styling course at GCA Trades Academy on Guam.
