2 NMTI students pass HVAC technician exam

Northern Marianas Trades Institute students Perry B. Borja, left, and Elden I. Dela Cruz successfully hurdled their EPA approved Heating Ventilation & Air-conditioning (HVAC) certification exam. (Contributed Photo)

Two local residents have successfully passed their EPA approved Heating Ventilation & Air-conditioning (HVAC) certification exam.

Northern Marianas Trades Institute students Elden I. Dela Cruz and Perry B. Borja were filled with joy when they received the results of the test sponsored by Video General Inc. (VGI) and administered locally by Chong’s Corporation. Dela Cruz is now certified as a type I and II technician, while Borja is now a certified universal technician by passing the exam for advanced operators.

By successfully passing their respective tests this makes them the first two NMTI students to successfully complete the EPA-HVAC exams. This nationally recognized exam allows the successful trainee to be able to order and handle sensitive chemicals pertaining to the trade anywhere in the nation.

When asked why they got interested in such a trade? Dela Cruz responded by saying, “I found it to be an interesting career choice as by working in HVAC you are exposed to the various construction trades combined. Because of this exposure, I leaped at the opportunity at taking the test.” Mike Vargas, head instructor of NMTI construction trades says, “Their accomplishment speaks volumes as we continue to evolve as a trade school. We hope that other potential students see this as an opportunity to excel as they did. We can only provide the venue for students; they now must be willing to take it to the level they can only dream of.”

NMTI is the only educational entity in the CNMI offering courses in HVAC as part of its curriculum. The curriculum is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) through the licensed sponsorship of the Guam Contractors Association. Ross Manglona, director of Continuing Education & Workforce development says, “the average HVAC technician in 2010 made over $42,000 and the figure keeps climbing today. We are hopeful that as more of our students enter the job market earning competitive wages, our programs will grow to satisfy our students’ needs. Having our programs accredited by NCCER is a major carrot as our certificates will pave the way for a better livelihood. As our registration is on an ongoing basis, students can enroll with us for the next cohort through different modules and at their pace, thus making it student focused and we are extremely proud of that.”