NMTI seeks SHEFA funding for students

Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance Program board chair Oscar Babauta and Northern Marianas Trades Institute chief executive officer Agnes McPhetres discuss SHEFA extending eligibility to more students of the trades school. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Marianas Trades Institute on Tuesday, July 19, met with officials from the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance Program seeking eligibility for its students.

SHEFA at present only funds eligible NMTI students under the “Construction Trades.” NMTI is actively seeking for the inclusion of its other programs namely the “Hotel & Restaurant Operations and Culinary Arts,” which are quickly becoming its highest educational offerings of interest among CNMI residents.

NMTI touts that its Hotel & Restaurant Operations courses follow the established curriculum set forth by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The hospitality institute is internationally renowned for building employee skills from entry level positions through management positions within the hotel industry. NMTI asks residents to research it online themselves as it’s listed among the likes of familiar institutions as Kapiolani Community College (KCC) and Guam Community College (GCC).

Agnes McPhetres, chief executive officer, said, “We are preparing students to enter the job market. This requires a concerted effort on the part of both the private and public sectors. Trainees are being equipped with skills that employers need, yet this comes at a cost and this must be understood at all facets of the educational system.”

The school continues to reiterate its stance, that a vocational education is costlier than regular academic course offerings. NMTI cited that a single culinary arts student costs the institute over $2,000 in associated expenses. The expenses include the consumable cooking materials being used as part of their practicum. McPhetres further stated, “Hands on learning is key in this endeavor. Wouldn’t you want your staff to have actual experience and not just basic theory? Our institute focuses on the CNMI’s current workforce needs, thus warranting an investment on SHEFA’s side. The funds invested in our students stays in the local economy, so it’s a win, win situation for the community.”

NMTI is thankful that SHEFA has taken a proactive approach and is considering its case carefully, by affording us this meeting. As the CNMI’s workforce needs are constantly evolving, so must the programs that compliment them. Many may not know this but, GCC started as Guam Trades School and evolved along with its community’s needs, eventually gaining accreditation as a junior college. Today, GCC is a pillar in the community that serves the various industries that need trained individuals. As with GCC’s situation, NMTI is gearing up for such growth, according to McPhetres. (PR)