SHRM meeting highlights WIAO role in workforce dev’t

The general membership meeting of the CNMI Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management last Thursday shone a spotlight on the Workforce Investment Agency Office and the role it plays in the growth of the CNMI workforce.

The meeting, held at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, was headlined by guest speaker Joe Villacrusis, WIAO program manager, who gave a comprehensive overview of the Apprenticeship Program, shedding light on its key features, success stories, and how it contributes to the CNMI workforce.

The Workforce Investment Agency provides a variety of programs that assist individuals residing in the CNMI with accessing education, training and employment services. The main programs that were mentioned in the meeting include the Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

“The program provides paid training, educational and career counseling, hands-on learning activities, industry-recognized credentials and a partnership with one or more Registered Apprenticeship Programs,” said Villacrusis.

The Registered Apprenticeship Program is an employer-driven model that combines on-the-job training with job-related instruction. The target populations are adults, dislocated workers and the youth.

“The core components include learning with mentorships, related trainings, rewards for skills gained, nationally recognized credentials and employer commitment upon completion. WIA funds are used to support classroom instruction and provide supportive services to ensure the success of individuals under the program,” said Villacrusis.

Current Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsors include Pacific Biomedical Services, Salt and Barber, Naked Fish, the Community Guidance Center of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., CHCC Pharmacy, 500 Sails, MANGO, and Priority Care. There are a total of 34 approved apprentices and are still on a continuous lookout for more participants.

For more information, individuals can contact WIA at (670) 488-2324/2312 or email cnmiwioa@dol.gov.mp.