Close to one hundred students of the Northern Marianas Trades Institute listened to Fitial’s message of encouragement during NMTI’s student achievement ceremony on Thursday night.
Fitial said local resident who are learning trade skills will provide the needed workforce on island when guest workers are phased out by 2014.
Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, in his remarks, told the students that there are a lot of opportunities waiting for them because when the federal government takes over local immigration, employers will be compelled to hire local workers.
Fitial said “if reelected, I will help expand the facility.”
He noted that “federalization will make it more difficult and costly to hire foreign workers.”
The local workforce is now ready to participate in the island’s new and evolving economy, he said, adding that the impending military buildup will help provide the local people with business and employment opportunities.
“We want you to have meaningful and employment opportunities as well as the opportunity to go into business for your self,” the governor said.
During the ceremony, five students received their certificates of completion for basic sewing and advanced sewing; nine, basic culinary arts; 10, basic auto-theory 1; and 16, core curriculum A.
Four completed painting level 1; seven, plumbing level 1; seven, carpentry level 1; one, electrical level 1; 14, core curriculum A-1; and 22, core curriculum B.
