{"id":405841,"date":"2024-02-13T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=405841"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"68-complete-NMTech-s-Trading-Up-Hospitality-dual-enrollment-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/68-complete-NMTech-s-Trading-Up-Hospitality-dual-enrollment-program\/","title":{"rendered":"68 complete NMTech\u2019s \u2018Trading Up: Hospitality\u2019 dual enrollment program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sixty-eight students were recognized last Friday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan after completing the Northern Marianas Technical Institute and Public School System\u2019s \u201cTrading Up: Hospitality\u201d dual enrollment program.<\/p>\n

Students from the three main high schools\u2014Kagman High School, Marianas High School, and Saipan Southern High School\u2014were awarded internationally recognized certifications that will allow them to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n

Of the 68 participating students, 24 graduated with honors.<\/p>\n

KHS student Jeffery Atalig said his entrance to the program had been a sort of a mix up but still one of the \u201cbest mix up of my life.\u201d 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\u2019s Hospitality and Tourism Class<\/span>.<\/p>\n

When asked what he learned, Atalig said, \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of jobs. Like, a lot of jobs here. You know, it\u2019s good to know the options you have. Not a lot of kids, know how many opportunities in hotel and lodging there are.\u201d He said he is open to working in hotels someday.<\/p>\n

Soomaitah Ferdous, 18, is thankful for the program \u201cI\u2019m so glad I took this hospitality class. I learned a lot, and I know it\u2019s going to help me in my future endeavors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program was a collaborative effort between PSS and NMTech and NMTech\u2019s partner, Island Training Solutions.<\/p>\n

During his address, PSS\u2019 Cooperative Education program coordinator Brandon Nicholas congratulated both NMTech and Island Training Solutions. \u201cCongratulations to NMTech and their partner, Island training Solutions, for another successful semester of teaching, training, and certifying our next generation of hospitality development.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although the CNMI\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd should these students decide to move off island, the certification can still benefit them whether in school or when looking for work,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

ITS owner James Arenovski echoed the thought in his remarks. \u201c[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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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. \u201cIt was a pilot program, and it was a great experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since then, over 1,600 students have graduated with this certification, he said. That\u2019s 1,600 people that have American Hotel & Lodge Educational Star certifications.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an impressive partnership that we\u2019ve had with NMTech and PSS, and people will see that continue,\u201d Arenovski said. \u201cPeople have written us and talked to the instructors of how this class has helped them in their professional lives. \u2026This program works. It provides real opportunities for the youth, and it\u2019s often talked about when we talk about opportunities\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Triple J\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A total of 68 PSS students pose for a photo after receiving their certificates of completion from NMTech\u2019s Trade Up: Hospitality dual enrollment program last Friday at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan in Garapan.<\/p>\n

-CHRYSTAL MARINO
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