Cooperative program to place public high school seniors as interns

The Cooperative Program, sometimes referred to as “Co-op,” is designed to help prepare students for the job market. The program consists of both Cooperative Education on campus and Cooperative Training off campus. Cooperative Education students participate in completing resumes, applications, interviews, personal development, and other projects.

Cooperative Training students gain work experience by participating as a “trainee” at an off campus business organization. The training hours are generally during the afternoon school hours; however, there is some flexibility in the schedule.

The program is looking for businesses with qualified and experienced people to be assigned as a training mentor. This person will be responsible for the student while the student receives on-the-job training at that particular business.

Please attend the “Career Fair” from 1:30pm until 3:00pm on Wednesday, Aug. 17. The purpose is to expose high school students (seniors) to a variety of careers in the CNMI. Additionally, it will give students and employers an opportunity to meet each other and possibly set up an arrangement for Cooperative Training. The venue will be at Marianas High School’s Cafeteria (behind building A) and will be available for set-up at 1:00 PM. Tables and chairs will be provided.

Interview appointments can be made: 1) at the Career Fair; or 2) through the teacher/coordinator (MHS–Tyce Mister, 664-3831; KHS-Maria Pangelinan, 664-3780 or 3) directly by the student. Students will be available in the afternoons and will provide their own transportation to your business site. All businesses will have an opportunity to meet the student(s) to evaluate if a training agreement can be reached. If both parties agree, then a “Training Agreement” will be provided and signed by the school principal, teacher-coordinator, parent/guardian, student, and employer.

Businesses are encouraged to provide incentive pay (i.e. stipend, hourly wage, etc.), but it is not a requirement for participation; the student will be receiving school credits for their cooperative training internship.

For more information or to sign up for the Career Fair, please contact Tyce Mister: phone/fax at 664-3831 or Email: tyce.mister@vzpacifica.net. (PR)