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DPW sponsors NMTI scholarship, internship opportunities
Department of Public Works Secretary James Ada, second from left, and other officials pose with two Northern Marianas Trades Institute interns who have availed of the Federal Highway Scholarships. (Contributed Photo)
The Northern Marianas Trades Institute has recently announced that the Department of Public Works has opened up educational opportunities for CNMI students venturing in construction careers. The joint program offers construction trades students the opportunity to experience firsthand what DPW Technical Services Division personnel inspect on a daily basis to ensure public access roads are built safely.
The On-the-Job-Training/Supportive Services (OJT/SS) project’s intent was put together through the consultation with federal partners, specifically Hawaii Senior Transportation Engineer, Boday Borres from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The objective of the funding is to foster capacity in the transportation construction related industry within the local population by offering incentives by means of internships and scholarships.
Three NMTI students have already availed to the Federal Highway Scholarships, while two of the three recipients are currently undergoing the internship phase of the grant.
Agnes McPhetres, NMTI’s CEO, acknowledged the support of Gov. Ralph Torres’ administration for seeing the need to partner through this endeavor.
She further noted, “The construction trades remain one of the most highly sought after job skills in the Commonwealth. Without people to maintain our roads and hotels we’d basically remain at a standstill.”
Public Works Secretary James Ada said, “The opportunity being offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration is a great opportunity for the young people of the CNMI to train and learn.” (PR)
