NMC to create Apprenticeship Advisory Board

As part of its efforts to grow its apprenticeship program, the Northern Marianas College announced Wednesday that it is developing an Apprenticeship Advisory Board.

The duties of the board will include, but not limited to: 1) determining apprenticeship areas and the shop facilities available for the necessary experience for on the job training; 2) establishing minimum standards of education and experience for apprentices and pass on the qualifications of applicants for apprenticeship; 3) determining the quality and quantity of on-the-job experience, which the apprentice must have; and, 4) evaluating apprentices’ previous experience and training and recommend credit to be granted toward apprenticeship.

According to NMC president Sharon Y. Hart, the college has already laid a framework to implement the U.S. Apprenticeship program, integrating apprenticeship and work force development, maximizing and leveraging resources, strengthening linkages with workforce investment and educational systems to increase the quality programs.

“We anticipate that the full launch of the apprenticeship program at NMC will provide a helpful boost to the local economy by focusing on jobs expected to be lost due to the departure of contract workers,” Hart added.

Advantages of the NMC Apprenticeship Program:

– Apprenticeship is immediate employment, including wages, for U.S. citizens or those with permanent residency status.

– Apprenticeship is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. With approximately 1,000 apprenticeship occupations available, NMC is able to place an apprentice where the skill is most needed within the CNMI workforce.

– The CNMI Workforce Investment Agency will be referring registered participants whose occupational goals are aligned with apprenticeship. WIA will also be instrumental in leveraging subsidized wages (WEP or OJT) for apprentice.

– Apprentices gain work credentials/certifications that are nationally recognized upon completion. These are recognized in all 50 states, territories, and some foreign countries.

– Apprenticeship will be made available to all individuals across the CNMI, including Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and the Outer Islands.

– High school students, over the age of 16, who meet the requirements for entry, can become apprentices.

– Apprenticeship programs vary in length from one to five years, and NMC will be able to offer credit for experience in the field.

– Apprenticeship requires knowledge as well as skill. Part of the apprenticeship program includes the educational component. Many professions require extensive math skills, i.e. electronics, electricians, computer repair technicians, etc. NMC has the ability to address these needs.

– NMC will assist sponsors to facilitate and enroll CNMI prior service and active reserve military personnel to avail themselves of military apprenticeship benefits. Any military personnel can contact the college for more information, let us know your interests and we can place you in that field.

– Apprentices can move ahead at their own pace, depending on their prior training, ability to master the task, and motivation to progress.

– The main advantage of the apprenticeship program at NMC is that the program is industry driven, is flexible, and nationally recognized with portable credentials.

Members of the business community are asked to communicate their workforce needs to the college so the institution can facilitate and implement the program at their job sites.

Those who are interested in serving on the Apprenticeship Advisory Board, or have questions about the U.S. Apprenticeship program are asked to contact Geri Willis, director, 234-5498 Ext. 1028, cell no. 287-2004, or email her at geriw@nmcnet.edu. (NMC)