Trades Institute promotes 67 students in six courses

 Eighteen-year-old Mathew Aaron became interested in cars when he was still a child. “My dad, Manny Aaron, has been a mechanic since he was my age, so I picked up on that,” said the young Kagman resident.

His father’s and his own fascination with cars prompted Aaron to take up an automotive course-Steering and Suspension-after his job at the Legislature where he works as a community worker. “I hope to open my own business and be a professional mechanic,” he said.

Aaron is among the 67 students of the Northern Marianas Trades Institute who were recognized in a promotion ceremony Tuesday night. In attendance were the students’ family members and friends, instructors, and other guests, including Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan and Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth Govendo.

The students, who were presented with certificates, finished courses in construction, plumbing, electrical, automotive, hotel restaurant, and culinary arts.

NMTI founder Anthony Pellegrino said that they conduct the ceremony for the students every three to four months. “The idea is we try and motivate our students,” he told Saipan Tribune, adding that NMTI helps students to learn not just in a classroom but in an actual work setting. “Most of the students grasp this concept. You see them more and more being placed in occupations. I’m very proud of the students.”

Maria Manalo, 22, was the only woman in the Steering and Suspension class. “It’s one of those skills that could be very necessary down the line,” said Manalo, who works as a guest service officer at Hyatt Regency’s I Sagua Spa. “I really wanted to learn. To learn another skill is a nice thing to do.”

Manalo said venturing into an automobile business is a possibility for her. “Right now, with everything going on in my life, the plans have not yet been made. It’s just that the possibilities are out there.”

For Tanapag resident Kalsina Patis, restaurant service was something she has always wanted to learn because she wanted to follow the footsteps of her sister who is currently working in a hotel restaurant in Guam.

A mother of three, 28-year-old Patis said she didn’t mind combining work with school. “I had to so I can learn some experience.”

Patis, who is employed with Topline doing housekeeping, said she encouraged her family members so that they, too, can learn new skills.

Counseling and outreach coordinator Ray Alvarez Jr. said the help that NMTI gives residents is more than just bringing in an “alternative curriculum” and providing “hard-hat, hands-on training.”

“We also help them to get jobs and/or open up their own business as an option upon completion of their training here at NMTI,” said Alvarez.

Additionally, Pellegrino said they continue to emphasize with their students the importance of motivation and attitude change. “If an employee is motivated and has positive attitude, he can do anything,” he said.

Aaron said working and taking up classes at NMTI at the same time has taught him more than just additional skills. “It gives me a sense of responsibility, from going to work then coming to classes. That helps me [become] a better person.”

Aaron encouraged other residents who want to learn new skills to enroll at NMTI. “They will help you and that’s a guarantee.they will teach you from step 1 all the way until you’re finished with the course.”

Asked if he is going to pursue the next level class, Aaron smiled. “Yes, because we’ll be learning about engines. I’m excited.”