Marianas College said “there is no need for workers without a high school education or diploma.”
They have high regard for those who finished or went into college but see no major need for workers with advanced degrees like a Ph.D.
“Clearly, based on the survey conducted by the local college, employers in the private sector almost always prefer local workers who possess at least a high school diploma and college degrees over workers without a high school education,” said Ogumoro in a letter to the Legislature commenting on House Local Bill 16-22, which seeks to authorize Shefa to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in a trade institution like the privately owned Northern Marianas Trades Institute.
The same survey noted that the private sector employers’ greatest challenge with local residents is their work ethics.
“When employers were asked to rate ‘the biggest obstacle to employing local residents in the private sector’ 42 percent indicated work ethics as the biggest impediment…. This is in sharp contrast to 11 percent on account of lack of skills; 16 percent for lack of education [presumably basic high school education]; 8 percent for compensation and fringe benefits; and 6 percent for other factors,” Ogumoro told the lawmakers.
She said while it is true that there is a need for more skilled workers in the CNMI, basic and secondary education, mandatory and free through the Public School System, should not be taken for granted.
Based on Shefa’s interpretation, the bill will allow the program to support the trade education of an applicant even if he or she drops out of high school.
Ogumoro said this is contrary to their goal which is to provide financial aid to local students pursuing college education.
“H.L.B. 16-22…will not require its pool of applicants to complete the requirements and actually receive a high school diploma or the equivalent to be able to obtain financial assistance from the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance program,” she said.
“A student who drops out of school, for instance, will be eligible by H.L.B. 16-22 by a mere proof of enrollment at a ‘trade institution,’ just as other high school students who are on vocational track,” she added.
She said the government should explore other programs whereby trade education can be supported, like tapping the nonresident workers funds.
Another suggestion is to hold a public hearing for the measure.
Since its establishment, she said Shefa helped 140 locals graduate from different colleges and universities.
As of last fall, Shefa awarded 430 college scholarships.
“Since the implementation of the municipality of Saipan postsecondary program, Shefa is singly responsible for increasing greater awareness in generating interest among high school students and adult residents of
Saipan to pursue higher education as undergraduates [AA and BA degree], [MA/MS degree] and postgraduate scholars [Ph.D./Ed. D. degree] in U.S. accredited colleges and universities,” said Ogumoro.
Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, is the local bill’s author.
