68 complete NMTech’s ‘Trading Up: Hospitality’ dual enrollment program

Sixty-eight students were recognized last Friday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan after completing the Northern Marianas Technical Institute and Public School System’s “Trading Up: Hospitality” dual enrollment program.

Students from the three main high schools—Kagman High School, Marianas High School, and Saipan Southern High School—were awarded internationally recognized certifications that will allow them to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.

Of the 68 participating students, 24 graduated with honors.

KHS student Jeffery Atalig said his entrance to the program had been a sort of a mix up but still one of the “best mix up of my life.” He said completing the course makes him feel accomplished and satisfied and he was able to meet inspiring people, especially Vicky Benevente, who is an instructor of the Kagman High School’s Hospitality and Tourism Class.

When asked what he learned, Atalig said, “There’s a lot of jobs. Like, a lot of jobs here. You know, it’s good to know the options you have. Not a lot of kids, know how many opportunities in hotel and lodging there are.” He said he is open to working in hotels someday.

Soomaitah Ferdous, 18, is thankful for the program “I’m so glad I took this hospitality class. I learned a lot, and I know it’s going to help me in my future endeavors.”

The program was a collaborative effort between PSS and NMTech and NMTech’s partner, Island Training Solutions.

During his address, PSS’ Cooperative Education program coordinator Brandon Nicholas congratulated both NMTech and Island Training Solutions. “Congratulations to NMTech and their partner, Island training Solutions, for another successful semester of teaching, training, and certifying our next generation of hospitality development.”

Although the CNMI’s tourism industry is a little weak at the moment, Nicholas said programs like these put the CNMI in a good footing when the tourism market goes up again, when the CNMI will have the needed certified workers.

“And should these students decide to move off island, the certification can still benefit them whether in school or when looking for work,” he added.

ITS owner James Arenovski echoed the thought in his remarks. “[These students can] continue their hospitality education at [Northern Marianas College] and get an associate in hospitality. Or they can go directly into the workforce. These students here are prepared now for entry-level positions within the hospitality, retail, restaurant, and tourism industries.”

Arenovski said they launched this program 10 years ago, when ITS had its first American Hotel & Lodge Educational Star program in spring of 2014. At that time, they only had 15 students. “It was a pilot program, and it was a great experience.”

Since then, over 1,600 students have graduated with this certification, he said. That’s 1,600 people that have American Hotel & Lodge Educational Star certifications.

“This is an impressive partnership that we’ve had with NMTech and PSS, and people will see that continue,” Arenovski said. “People have written us and talked to the instructors of how this class has helped them in their professional lives. …This program works. It provides real opportunities for the youth, and it’s often talked about when we talk about opportunities…”

Triple J’s Surfrider Hotel, Coral Ocean Point Resort, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, and Laolao Bay Golf & Resort were the five hotels that participated in the program, giving the students a space to have hands-on experience. They were also recognized that night.