TRAINING STUDENTS IN VOCATIONAL FIELDS Private sector urged to cooperate with PSS

Board of Education Vice Chair Roman Benavente is calling on members of the business community to work with the Public School System in intensifying efforts to improve vocational training for students in schools.

Mr. Benavente said that concerted efforts between the public and private sectors in enhancing vocational and trade skills development among students would minimize the need to import foreign workers to occupy competitive jobs in the CNMI.

“Before we bring in alien workers, we should first utilize our local resources. People are always complaining that we don’t have the sufficient workforce to support our businesses as a long term solution, why not invest on the training of our children?,” Mr. Benavente told reporters in an interview.

The State Board of Education has long been mulling over the implementation of a vocational or trade school which would supplement the growing demand for such training among high school students.

Former BOE member Rep. Tom Pangelinan authored the initiative to put in place a vocational and trade program aimed at preparing interested students for a life in public service, industry, and trade occupations through a sequence of learning experiences.

Rep. Pangelinan, in a draft proposal, designed the program for students who do not wish to pursue an academic career after high school.

“This is basically a school which would specialize in survival skills such as mechanics, automotive, catering, small engine repair and such,” Mr. Pangelinan had said.

Realizing that not everyone can succeed in major “white-collar” jobs, Mr. Benavente has expressed support for the initiative.

“I believe that not everybody can be doctors or lawyers. There are people who may not be very good in Reading but are excellent in with jobs using their hands. Maybe they have the expertise for machine repairs, plumbing, or other skilled jobs. Maybe that’s what we’re missing,” said the BOE vice chair.

Despite eagerness on the part of BOE members to advance efforts at expediting the proposed trade school, funding is unfortunately the main drawback.

“Materials and equipment necessary to operate the school are very costly. And the budget that we are getting from the government is barely keeping as afloat,” said Mr. Benavente.

Marianas High School currently offers shop classes which orients students with fundamentals in cabinet-making, machine repairs, and others.

But according to Mr. Benavente, these courses are operating at a very low-key level due to lack of equipment.

The BOE member suggested funding for the purchase of the necessary equipment need not be from depleting PSS coffers.

“Even if we have to identify separate funding sources for this specific programs, we should go along with this. Instead of relying on general funds, maybe we should seek block grants or other financial assistance programs to address these needs,” he added.

As head of the BOE Parent-Teacher Involvement Committee, Mr. Benavente said he is also tapping support from the CNMI Council of Parent-Teacher Association.

He added that the board is continually lobbying for such efforts with Legislature officials. (MM)