Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, D-Saipan, who sponsored Senate Resolution 16-28, which was adopted on Dec. 10, said the CNMI must develop an island-based and locally delivered strategy for an integrated education and job training system that would meet the economic needs of the islands.
“A coordinated workforce readiness system in concert with the commonwealth’s overall economic development strategy would guide federal and commonwealth resources in a manner that promotes a high quality, globally competitive workforce,” said Crisostimo.
“There is a need to determine if existing employment training programs, including laws granting exemptions to nonresident employment are accomplishing their intended goals and objectives, or if changes are needed,” he added.
The Workforce Investment Agency, the Department of Labor and the Division of Immigration, work with public and private schools, including Northern Marianas College and the Office of Personnel Management, to help the youth prepare for the local job market’s needs.
The Senate said the independent oversight should be able to assess the labor market and develop a local strategic plan to optimize federal and commonwealth workforce readiness resources.
It should also design a plan that would serve the marginalized populations and facilitating and sustaining the employment of qualified local citizens and residents in the local labor market.
“NMI skilled workforce is our strength as we compete in the global economy…investments in training and education foster high skill, high-wage jobs, provide economic leadership for this island community and offer a standard of living for our citizens,” Crisostimo said.
