(NMTech) — The Northern Marianas Technical Institute is pleased to announce the award of an $8.6 million construction contract to HBR International Inc. for the development of the highly anticipated workforce career training facility in Koblerville, Saipan. The project is funded through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, part of a federal initiative to bolster workforce readiness and economic resilience in underserved communities.
The new training facility represents a bold investment in the future of the Commonwealth and will provide modern infrastructure to support high-quality vocational education and certification programs in key trades and technical fields. Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with project completion expected within 18 to 20 months.
The project was designed by EM Chen & Associates, a leading architecture and engineering firm with decades of experience in designing high-impact infrastructure projects throughout the CNMI, Guam, and across Micronesia. Their expertise ensures that the facility will be modern, resilient, and purpose-built to support the needs of emerging skilled trades in the region.
“We’re excited to reach this milestone and partner with HBR International, Inc. on this transformative project,” said NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao. “This facility is not only an investment in infrastructure — it is an investment in our people. By creating a space where students can access hands-on technical training, we are preparing a new generation of workers for meaningful, skilled employment right here in the CNMI.”
Selected through a competitive bidding process, HBR International, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the project. The firm brings a strong record of performance in local infrastructure development, and its selection ensures that project goals for cost, quality, and schedule will be achieved.
The facility will include:
• Fully equipped classrooms and instructional labs tailored for trades training
• Simulation rooms for heavy equipment and safety training
• High-tech infrastructure for hybrid and remote learning
• Dedicated areas for industry-recognized certification programs
John Saludez, president of HBR International Inc., shared his appreciation for the opportunity: “We are honored to be selected for this important project and excited to contribute to the development of local talent. Our team is committed to building a facility that not only meets technical standards, but also reflects the community’s pride and aspirations. We look forward to working with NMTech to make this vision a reality.”
It is part of NMTech’s broader mission to expand economic opportunity and reduce skilled labor shortages across the CNMI. The EDA-funded project aligns with broader efforts to address unemployment, diversify the local economy, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. With an expanding demand for skilled workers in construction, maintenance, utilities, renewable energy, and transportation, the new facility will offer pathways to long-term employment and economic self-sufficiency for residents of Saipan and the neighboring islands.
As the CNMI continues to recover from economic challenges and natural disasters, this project signals a hopeful step forward — one that builds capacity from within and empowers local residents to be part of the Commonwealth’s future success.
NMTech also extends its heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Office of the Governor, and the CNMI’s permitting agencies for their swift and coordinated support throughout the project’s planning and approval process. Their responsiveness and dedication were key to moving this initiative forward on schedule.
