Trade programs in NMC urged

In line with the government’s economic diversification and revitalization plans, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday underscored the value of institutionalizing academic programs aimed at developing local skills on trade and business management.

Mr. Tenorio challenged Northern Marianas College officials and faculty to take aggressive steps in improving trade and vocational programs offered at the Commonwealth’s only higher-learning institution.

He made the call during the formal declaration of April as the Northern Marianas College Month, in accordance with its proclamation in the United States as the National Community College month.

Since its establishment in 1981, more than 16,000 people have enrolled in regular NMC degree and certificate courses, with over 1,200 individuals receiving Certificates of Completion and Achievement, as well as associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees in programs offered or coordinated by the College.

Also, more than 3,200 have enrolled in Adult Basic Education courses while approximately 7,000 have participated in Community Services classes and over 1,000 served each year by NMC’s Land Grant Research and Extension Programs.

Mr. Tenorio said the time has come for the Northern Marianas to carry out major changes in the educational system through the institution of vocational programs that will help local students develop skills for private sector employment.

The Public School System and the College are now carrying out efforts to put up trade and vocational programs that will not only prepare students to take private sector jobs but will also shift their concept on guest worker-held jobs.

The governor disclosed that efforts are now underway for PSS and NMC to institute educational and vocational programs that would focus on changing attitudes of students toward private sector employment to lure them into private sector jobs.

At the same time, the government is also looking at developing apprenticeship programs in partnership with the business community, as well as the Certificate of Initial Mastery program wherein educators will develop a special curriculum for the Certificate of Initial Mastery program.

The curriculum will be based on the job requirements of private sector businesses. Skills required by the business community will also be the basis in the development of a training program under the Certificate of Initial Mastery.

Experts said the Commonwealth’s school curricula must be focused at building up local force to gradually replace guest workers. Changes in the educational thrust should also be looked at seriously to prepare local residents for the proposed shift in business activities.

At present, school subjects tend to dwell more on the liberal arts format.