FIFTY-FIVE high school students took part in the three-day Boost Workforce Development Training last week.
The training aimed to provide them with proper certifications, such as in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator, and cybersecurity.
“Even something as far as cybersecurity, teaching these kids how to be aware of what’s on the internet and how to keep their information safe, has been taught,” said Office of Youth Affairs Special Assistant Ali Ogo.
“This training explains to the youth what they will need to know — the lessons and the skills they need to gain — in order to join the workforce…. They are going to be graduating soon and will enter the workforce, so that’s why we directed this training specifically towards 17-year-olds,” he said.
The students were also part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, a pilot program launched through the CNMI Office of Youth Affairs.
“We wanted to finish up the governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program with a hit. In the final three days, we focused on getting these youth equipped with better certifications, and more knowledge and skills prior to finishing up the program,” Ogo said.
“These kids will actually have the passport and the certifications and everything they need to get a job, so that’s what the whole purpose of this workforce development training is about.”
The training’s core aim is to serve as a pipeline that not only helps students, but also aids in the CNMI’s quest to address its workforce shortage.
Partners for this venture include the Office of the Governor, the Public School System, Northern Marianas College, the CNMI Department of Labor, and the Office of Personnel Management.
Ogo said it took about a month to prepare for the training.
“We wanted to ensure we could get in as many partners as possible that can properly equip these kids, teach these kids, present and train these kids to bring out the best in them. Because at the end of the day, it’s for the betterment of themselves. It’s going to help them as they transition into adults, as they transition to future careers,” he said.
“My message to the youth is to stand up and have the courage to seek better opportunities for yourself. It’s only going to do you good at the end of the day…. When you apply for a job, you’re probably the most qualified individual that’s applying for it,” he added.
John Kintol of Saipan Southern High School said he initially joined the summer employment program to earn money, but found something more valuable along the way.
“If I didn’t take this program, I probably wouldn’t know everything I’ve learned and experienced what I have experienced. It just seems so much easier for me to learn about the workforce through this kind of program because it really allows me to be with my peers and to experience it as a group. At first, I wanted to make money; that was my main reason. But as time went on, I didn’t really care as much for the money as I did for the experience. I learned how to work well with others in the department,” he said.
Kintol — who was assigned to the CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program — encouraged his peers to grab the training opportunity.
“Take it. Not only will you make money, which is really good, but you will also gain a lot of experience. The experience is much more valuable than the money, in my opinion. You experience things that will help you for the rest of your life, and believe me, you will be very thankful after you take this opportunity,” Kintol said.
Matthew Lukas, a Marianas High School student who, like Kintol, was assigned to the NAP, shared similar sentiments.
“I would rather do something than just sleep and stay around during the summer. Also, I want to help my family. My advice to the future youth is to work on your time management and your schedules. You have to get used to waking up early, preparing your lunch, and also just have fun and try your best not to complain,” he said.
“At first, I thought that the agency I was placed at would be boring. But on the very first day, all of the employees were very kind and nice. Work was actually fun, especially on Issuance Day, which is basic where we give out the food stamp to the clients. Seeing their faces whenever we give them food stamps, seeing them smile, and sometimes just joking around with them was fun.”
He added, “This program has shown me that working in the government is not like how most people view the government. You work with people to help other people.”
High school students participating in the BOOST Workforce Development Training raise their hands on Friday in response to a question posed by one of the presenters.
