“They will fill up the vacuum when the federal system starts to phase out the nonresident guest workers,” said businessman Anthony Pellegrino who opened the Northern Marianas Trades Institute said, referring to the implementation of the federal immigration law in June 2009.
The course offered by the institute was designed to teach students basic safety, construction mathematics, the use of hand tools, blueprint reading, and basic communications in the working place, Pellegrino said.
By Nov. 10, the students will start learning about the specific course they wanted to specialize in, he said, adding that the trade school is also planning to offer culinary arts, sewing, and cosmetic courses this year.
Pellegrino said they received an “overwhelming demand and inquiries” for additional trade and vocational courses since they opened on July 15.
“Before, most of those students have no jobs, they have no future and they don’t know where they are going. Not anymore,” he said.
The first batch of students are local residents from 17 to 55 years old.
Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, guest speaker during yesterday’s ceremony, said the students made a significant first step in their career and already have accomplished a lot at the Marianas Trades Institute.
“You will have a chance of being your own boss,” Govendo said.
During the ceremony, Pellegrino also presented certification of recognition to the House of Representatives represented by Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, R-Saipan, House Floor Leader Joseph N. Camacho, R-Saipan, Reps. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan, and Edward T. Salas, R-Saipan.
Quitugua also sponsored House Bill 16-22 which will authorize financial assistance for students who have not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent who are enrolled in a trade institute, which received $100,000 from a law passed by the Legislature.
Pellegrino said they have three certified National Center for Construction Education and Research instructors for different trade courses: Ignacio B. Camacho, who specializes in plumbing; Al Cabael, electricity; and William Kintz, carpentry.
Tom Joe Calimlim helps teach carpentry and masonry.
Three additional instructors will be onboard this month — Isidoro Camacho, Marian Thompson and Jess Taisague.
Ignacio B. Camacho said their students are “very responsive” and they are trying to learn because “it’s not easy to go back to academics after you’ve inactive for a very long time.”
The students who received special recognition on Wednesday were Gloria Faith Ahmed, Akino R. Afin, Luis Pedro Arriola, Pedro Arriola, Anthony Burton, Luciano Dereas, Rachid Elhajjim, Joseph A. Imperial, Diego L. Kaipat, Diego Kaipat Jr., Kevin Lee T. Kapileo, John James Mality, Valerio Mality, Frankie Manalo, Jinny Manalo, John Miller, Augustin M. Norita, Jahritae Omar, Mae Rose Panabe, Jose O. Rabauliman, Aloysius Romolor, Kanis Sinounou, Daniel Guitugua, Peterkin Tababa, Darrel O. Terlaje and Kevin Yamagata.
