NMTI to promote 41 students on Sept. 28

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute will be holding a promotional ceremony for 41 students under its hotel and restaurant and culinary arts program this Sept. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

The promotional ceremony will begin at 1pm.

The students went through 180 classroom hours and 240 hours internship for the hotel and restaurant operations program and 84 classroom hours and 240 hours internship for the culinary arts program.

NMTI chief executive officer Agnes McPhetres said this would be the first promotional ceremony held this year for both programs under NMTI.

“The culinary arts program at NMTI began in 2009 and has been one of the most popular programs that we offer. Basically, the culinary arts is a program for learning the art of preparing and cooking food,” McPhetres said.

“The culinary program prepares students for gainful employment and or postsecondary education in the food production and service industry. Classes provide students the opportunity to acquire marketable skills by examining the industry and its career opportunities and by developing interpersonal skills along with skills in food preparation,” she added.

Students are also exposed to laboratory facilities and experiences in commercial food operations along with classroom instruction. Students are required to complete 240 hours of internship at the Hyatt.

The Hotel and Restaurant Operations program at NMTI also began in 2010. This trade teaches techniques and concepts related to hotel and restaurant operations, marketing, reservations, food and beverage services, table service, banquets and other guest services. After 180 hours of internship at Hyatt, students receive certificates from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

McPhetres said that upon receipt of this certificate, students will have acquired an understanding of the significance of hotels and restaurants to the tourist industry and knowledge of concepts in the trade and operation of hotels and restaurants.

“Trained culinarians and hotel and restaurant operators are continually needed in both the hospitality and tourism industries. Employment in the food service and hotel operation are growing and will continue to grow in the CNMI. Some career possibilities include positions in restaurants, clubs, bakeries, and hotels,” she said.