A TOTAL of 104 students graduated from Northern Marianas Technical Institute at the Garapan Round House, with family and friends cheering them on Thursday, Dec. 19.
NMTech programs include culinary arts, baking and pastry, automotive trades, construction, carpentry, HVAC, and electrical.
This year’s cohort is notable because it includes the first batch of cosmetology students who graduated from the trades school.
Variety files state that cosmetology is among the top five trades most in need of employees in the CNMI.
One of the cosmetology graduates, Anna Palacios, said getting her professional certification felt “amazing.”
“The course itself was so inspiring to me, being surrounded by like-minded individuals in my field, and being taught every single day different things not only about the course but just with life in general,” she said. “It really prepared me for a future in the beauty industry.”
Palacios said growing up with five sisters and doing their hair and makeup prepared her for the course.
Her advice to aspiring students is to “just do it” and apply for classes at NMTech.
“When you have the passion for anything you just make it work and so if anyone is passionate about something, then definitely go for it,” she said. “There’s no loss when chasing what you love. Just do it. Don’t overthink, don’t think you don’t have what it takes, don’t think you don’t know enough — just do it.”
Palacios was an intern at Salt and Barber salon in Garapan, and that’s where she will be practicing her trade in the immediate future.
For her part, Shaneese Pua, a former waitress, is now construction-electrical level-one certified. She has secured a position in the electrical department of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s water division.
She said she decided to study at NMTech because she noticed her own potential to work at a trade.
“Honestly, I’m pretty good with my hands … and I thought, ‘Hey I can try it out with tools,’ ” she said.
Jolyn Attao, NMTech CEO, said Thursday evening was a celebration of the “shared commitment and progress of our institution, our students and our partners.”
“At NMTech our mission has always been to invest in empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed in industries that drive the Northern Marianas forward. We are proud to stand at the forefront of technical and vocational education in the CNMI, preparing our workforce for the evolving demands of our industry.”
NMTech graduates pose for a group photo at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 19.
NMTech cosmetology students pose for a group photo. Anna Palacios is fourth from left.
Shaneese Pua was able to leverage her trades education to land a job at CUC.
