(PSS) — The Public School System is considering the expansion of its summer program with the Northern Marianas Trades Institute.
“What we saw and heard personally from our students participating in the program is that what they are experiencing are golden opportunities,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada said. “We have heard from the students that they want to be engineers, chefs, automotive experts or building contractors. They want to have a profession when they graduate.”
Ada said he will work with Career and Technical Education program director Dr. Jessica Taylor on a plan to expand the summer program with NMTI, “and not wait for the next summer to implement it.”
For her part, NMTI’s interim chief executive officer, Jodina Attao, said she’s hoping to see the participation of more middle school students.
She added, “We are also very grateful to PSS officials for their interest in NMTI. This summer program shows the growing interest in skilled trades among our students.”
Currently, close to 30 Tanapag Middle School students are participating in a month-long summer program at NMTI. Attao said there were also seventh graders who signed up on their own.
‘Thank you’
Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini said BOE and PSS are grateful to the students and their parents for supporting the summer program.
He also thanked NMTI for providing students with valuable learning opportunities.
BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig said PSS’s long-term goal is to ensure the sustainability of the program which primarily aims to help build local capacity.
“What we have here at NMTI is good training for our students,” he added.
Commissioner Ada also thanked Dr. Taylor who “has been instrumental and helpful in the planning, implementation and success of the program.”
Automotive class
A student whose grandfather runs an automotive business said the summer program with NMTI is a very helpful learning experience. “I can see the relation between what I’m learning and my grandpa’s business. One day I will be able to help him,” the student said, adding that the program is “very hands-on.”
Instructor Dante Yumul teaches the automotive class which has five students: two males and three females.
“I now know the right way to drive and I’ve also learned about dealership,” one of the students said.
“I want this program to continue because it is very helpful,” another student said.
Construction, welding and electronics
Other students are learning basic construction and design work, including blueprint preparation.
There’s also separate classes on welding and electronics.
Culinary class
Those attending the culinary class are learning about, among other things, food preparation from Chef Ben Babauta Jr.
“We now know how to prepare food,” a student said.
“This is an experience of a lifetime for me,” said another student.
Chef Ben Babauta Jr., Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Curriculum and Instruction Senior Director Jackie Quitugua of the Public School System and Tanapag Middle School principal Hilda Rios pose with the TMS students attending a culinary class as part of the Northern Marianas Technical Institute Summer Program.
Students of the automotive class pose with their instructor, Dante Yumul.
Students learn how to safely use a soldering iron, tweezers and clamps.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada and Tanapag Middle School principal Hilda Rios speak with students enrolled in the Northern Marianas Technical Institute Summer Program.
A student learns a basic welding skill.
