NORTHERN Marianas College and the Department of Public Works on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement to establish an on-the-job training and social support program. The program is for women, minorities, and other disadvantaged individuals who are interested in highway construction careers.
The duration of the program is from Sept. 2, 2021 to May 30, 2022.
Signed by NMC President Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero and DPW Secretary James Ada, the MOA states that the program will be funded by a Federal Highway Administration grant, and will be administered through the college.
A minimum of 10 students may be selected to participate in the program. The expense for the program is $21,000 per semester for 10 students, or $2,100 per student.
Deleon Guerrero said as the CNMI continues to rebuild following the super typhoons that have devastated the islands, NMC saw the need to expand local construction capacity.
He commends the DPW secretary for his support, adding that NMC is looking forward to a continued partnership.
Ada, for his part, thanked NMC for the partnership. He said building local capacity for engineering and construction jobs is one of the challenges the CNMI is facing.
It has always been hard to recruit engineers and other construction-related workers for infrastructure projects, he added.
Frankie Eliptico, NMC’s vice president for administration and advancement, said the MOA will help increase the number of local engineering students.
More information about the program will be announced soon by the college.