WORKFORCE Investment Agency Executive Director Felix R. Nogis has announced 400 summer job slots for the CNMI youth, but this figure is expected to be surpassed this year by the actual number of applicants due to the ongoing economic uncertainties.
WIA’s six-week Summer Youth Employment and Training Program gives priority to high school students 16 years old and above who are below the poverty income guidelines.
Nogis, in an interview yesterday, said 300 slots are available for Saipan, and 50 each for Rota and Tinian high school students.
“I urge all high school students to avail of this program. It will give them hands-on skills on various jobs in the government and private sector. It will benefit them in the long-haul,” said Nogis.
The program begins on June 24 and ends on Aug. 2.
Funded annually by the local and federal governments, the program also encourages government offices and private sector companies to accommodate these students.
“Businesses will have the opportunity to instill good work habits and see the potential of our local workforce which would ensure mutual benefits in the long haul,” Nogis said in letters to private sector firms.
All program participants will be provided insurance by the Workers’ Compensation Commission in the event that work-related injury or illness occurs while undergoing training, Nogis said.
“Each student will be paid $3.50 per hour for the duration of the summer job program,” he said, adding that the annual funding for the program ranges from $350,000 to $400,000.
Majority or 60 percent of participating students in the annual program are taken in by private companies, said Nogis.
The government takes care of the remaining 40 percent.
“We hope there will be more available slots from the private sector this year,” Nogis said.
Rota and Tinian students have until June 6 to submit their applications.
Saipan students must submit their applications on or before June 14.
The application forms for Saipan students are available at Marianas High School and Kagman High School or at the WIA office on Capitol Hill.
The forms can also be obtained from the Department of Labor and Immigration’s resident office on Rota, and from the Office of Personnel Management on Tinian
