Largest turnout for Co-op Job Fair

The Spring ‘24 Co-Op Job Fair last Tuesday at the Taga Ballroom of the Saipan World Resort drew the largest turnout of students and companies, according to the event’s organizers.

About 130 students from public and private high schools, which included Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Da’ok Academy, and Grace Christian Academy made their way around the tables of companies and agencies that were present.

The junior/senior students that are enrolled in Co-Op, or Cooperative Education, an elective course offered in the CNMI Public School System and GCA, had a pick of where they want to train from over 35 companies in the government and private sector.

According to Brandon Nicholas, program coordinator of the Cooperative Education Program, the program “uses a combined strategy of in-classroom instruction and on-the-job training to provide our students with the tools and knowledge necessary to enter our workforce.”

Compared to past Co-Op Job Fairs, the Spring ‘24 Co-Op Job Fair by far has the most number of attendees, Nicholas said.

“The turnout was great. …Traditionally, we know that spring semester will have more students because there’s a lot more flexibility with their schedule. I think we can consider it a success, but the success lies with how well our students do,” he added.

Terrence Calma, a senior at MHS who has been in the program since his junior year and is currently working at his dream company, Latte Built Gym, said he enjoys his time there. As for the program, he said, “I think the Co-Op program is a very good program that all students should try…because it could give you some work experience early on, and help you out a little bit if you need some extra cash.”

Another senior at MHS, Derick Delos Santos, said the company he is most interested in is the Law Office of Robert T. Torres because he likes debating and wants to pursue a career in law or criminal justice.

Theodore Rodgers, a junior at GCA, said the job fair was much larger and had more companies than the past couple two years he’s attended and that it’s always a great opportunity for students.

Savannah Delos Santos, Sexual Assault Response team manager at the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence was seen assisting a few students.

Kristina Springer-Torres, a Co-Op Education Program teacher at MHS, said, “We’re really thankful because this is such a great opportunity for the students to get out there and get some real hands-on training. It’s also great for the companies to do their community services and have a pool of trainable employees.”