NMC at work on Labor grant ahead of April deadline

The Northern Marianas College and its partners are finalizing the details of the CNMI’s grant application for a U.S. Department of Labor grant that is due on April 30.

The grant is called the U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration’s American Apprenticeship Initiative. According to NMC, this grant is intended to provide apprenticeship programs to the underserved.

According to David Attao, NMC dean of Administration and Resource Development, the proposal in the works focuses on “building the infrastructure, mechanisms, policies, education, training, and support systems to help businesses, employers and U.S. eligible workers participate in American apprenticeships” in industries and occupations that are currently filled by H-1B and CW visa holders.

“A key component of this proposal is to serve under-represented populations in apprenticeships such as women, veterans, and hard-to-reach populations such as those found here in our CNMI,” Attao said.

“We’ve asked community partners such as T.A.S.A. [and] the Women’s Association for support and are working on veteran and military organizations and other respective under-represented populations as well too,” he said.

“We are hopeful for more support to come before the deadline,” he said, adding that the college is confident that the grant proposal will be submitted on time. 

Attao said NMC is thankful and appreciative of the support and commitment given by member entities of Gov. Eloy S. Inos’ Workforce Taskforce such as CNMI Department of Labor/Workforce Investment Agency, NMC, Northern Marianas Technical Institute, Public School System, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the mayor’s offices of Tinian, Rota, Saipan, and the Northern Islands, with data from the CNMI Department of Commerce, Marianas Visitors Authority and more.

Attao also said his team is thankful and appreciative of “the most important aspect of this proposal” which are the commitment and support for public-private partnerships from businesses such as 360 Revolving Restaurant, Herman’s Modern Bakery, verbal support from Kautz Glass, and Konstrak Builders, Joeten Group of Companies, as well as general interest from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Best Sunshine and Tinian Gaming Commission. 

Businesses and entities that provide Labor-registered apprenticeship training opportunities are recognized as U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeship providers. These apprenticeships are promoted for creating journey workers with higher wages comparable to middle class levels in the U.S.