Author: Ronnie Camacho

SAIPAN, CNMI — Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) is inviting experienced trade professionals to apply for Adjunct Instructor opportunities and share their industry knowledge and hands-on experience with the next generation of skilled workers.

Selected candidates will have the opportunity to support NMTech students in developing practical, career-ready skills while participating in the institute’s Instructor Certification Training Program (ICTP) facilitated by Dr. Bert Johnson of the Guam Trades Academy, designed to strengthen instructional skills and knowledge.

Adjunct instructors will be compensated at a rate of $30 per contact hour.

Qualified trade professionals interested in applying may obtain a copy of NMTech’s employment application through the institute’s website at nmtechcnmi.org. Completed applications, along with a current resume, may be submitted to hr@nmtechcnmi.org.

NMTech encourages experienced professionals in the trades who are passionate about sharing their skills and contributing to workforce development to apply.

Bring your experience. Share your skills. Train the next generation.

About Northern Marianas Technical Institute

Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) provides hands-on technical and workforce training designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed for employment and career advancement in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island.

Media Contact:
Northern Marianas Technical Institute
Marketing Department
Email: marketing@nmtechcnmi.org
Website: nmtechcnmi.org

NMTech urges residents, families and employers to take action as local labor data continues to demonstrate demand for skilled workers

SAIPAN, CNMI – The Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) is calling on residents of the Commonwealth to take a serious look at careers in the skilled trades as the CNMI continues to need trained workers in construction, automotive technology, electrical, heavy equipment operations, culinary arts and other essential occupations.

The need is reflected in the CNMI’s own labor market.

According to the CNMI Department of Labor’s Employment Services Division, approximately 4,000 job openings were advertised half of which were in construction and extraction occupations, making it the largest occupational group sought by employers. Installation, maintenance and repair accounted for another close to 500 openings, while food preparation and service-related occupations accounted for close to 200 openings.

These are occupations that require practical skills, and many of those skills can be developed right here in the Commonwealth.

NMTech currently reports 75 enrollments across selected course offerings, including:

• Construction Core Fundamentals – 30
• Culinary Arts Level 2 – 11
• Baking & Pastry – 7
• Automotive Core – 7
• Brake Systems – 6
• Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1–5
• Electrical Level 3–5
• Electrical Level 1–4

While NMTech is encouraged by participation in these programs, some classes have not been able to run because enrollment was too low – even in areas where the labor market demonstrates a need for skilled workers.

For NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao, that disconnection should be a call to action for the entire Commonwealth.

“We already know the need is there. Our Department of Labor data tells us employers are looking for skilled workers, and our own experience after major typhoons has shown us what happens when our islands urgently need electrician, equipment operators, construction workers, mechanics and other trades people,” Attao said. “We cannot wait until the next disaster or workforce crisis to decide that these skills are important. We have to build that capacity now.”

We Cannot Wait Until the Next Emergency

The CNMI understands the value of skilled labor perhaps better than most communities.

Our islands have endured destructive typhoons, including Super Typhoon Sinlaku and Bavi, that damaged homes, businesses, utilities, and public infrastructure. In the aftermath of disasters like these, recovery depends on people who know how to build, repair, wire, operate equipment, and restore essential services.

When the next major storm arrives, the Commonwealth cannot begin searching for skilled workers afterward. We need to train them now.

Electrician helps restore homes and businesses. Heavy equipment operators clear debris and rebuild infrastructure. Automotive technicians keep vehicles and equipment operating. Construction workers rebuild homes and facilities. Culinary professionals help sustain an industry that remains important to the Commonwealth’s economy.

These are not simply jobs. They are essential skills that help keep an island community functioning, recovering, and moving forward.

Developing these skills locally is therefore more than workforce development. It is part of building a more resilient CNMI.

“Every building requires skilled hands. Every vehicle eventually requires maintenance. Every restaurant and hotel depends on trained culinary professionals. Every major construction project requires workers who understand tools, safety, electrical systems, equipment, and jobsite fundamentals. These careers are not secondary to economic development – they make economic development possible,” Attao stated.

“When we have a program tied to a demonstrated workforce need but cannot run a class because enrolment is too low, that is a missed opportunity for the entire Commonwealth,” Attao said. “Every seat we fill today can become an electrician, technician, operator, chef, builder or future business owner tomorrow. These are the people we will depend on to build the CNMI – and, when the time comes, to help rebuild it.”

NMTech is calling on students, parents, employers, government agencies, and community leaders to help close that gap. Students can enroll. Parents can encourage technical careers. Employers can invest in training and send workers for upskilling. Agencies and community organizations can help connect residents with training opportunities and promote careers in the trades.

“The solution requires participation from all sectors. The demand is here. The training is here. Now we need our people to step forward,” Attao said.

For residents considering their next career move, NMTech’s message is simple:

Don’t wait for the next workforce shortage, major construction project or super typhoon to remind us how much these skills matter.

Train now. Build a career. Build the CNMI.

📣Get Ready for Fall 2026 at NMTECH!

Attention future and incoming students! Gear up for the upcoming semester with our Student Orientation and Scholarship Clinic. Get all the info you need, grab extra funding, and settle in before classes start!

📅 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

💰 Scholarship Clinic

Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Conference Room

Get hands-on help with financial aid, scholarship applications, and funding options!

👋 Student Orientation

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Bay Area

Meet your peers, tour the facilities, and set yourself up for success!

Additionally, August 5th 2026 is the LAST DAY to enroll for Fall 2026!

If you haven’t finalized your schedule or submitted your application yet, this is your final chance to lock in your spot for the fall. Don’t miss out!

Hafa Adai Marianas!

Advance your concrete knowledge and skills with upcoming American Concrete Institute training opportunities. For more information and to register, visit their website at the link below:

We are grateful to share that NMTech’s Lower Base campus did not experience flooding during the passage of Super Typhoon Bavi. While minor cleanup and inspections will continue, we are thankful that our campus sustained minimal impacts.

To allow our employees time to recover and secure their homes following the storm, NMTech offices will remain closed on Wednesday, July 8th and Thursday, July 9th 2026.

As previously announced, NMTech is currently operating under a temporary 64-hour biweekly work schedule, with Fridays designated as non-working days until further notice as part of the institution’s austerity measures.

Additionally, our Spring Course continuation, Summer Tech, and Fall Registration will resume on Monday, July 20th 2026.

Thank you for your patience, resilience, and continued support. The safety of our students, employees, and community remains our highest priority.

In anticipation of Typhoon Bavi and its hazardous weather conditions, all Spring 2026 course continuations and operations are cancelled effective Monday, July 6th and Tuesday, July 7th 2026.

Following the storm’s passage, Tuesday, July 7th will be dedicated to comprehensive campus damage assessments, safety inspections, and evaluation of instructional spaces and campus infrastructure. These assessments are necessary to ensure that all facilities are safe and suitable for student occupancy before instructional activities resume.

Additionally, all Summer Tech Sessions will be placed on hold pending completion of the campus assessment. A revised schedule for Summer Tech programming will be announced once the campus has been deemed safe for students and instructors.

Further updates regarding campus operations, Spring course continuation, and Summer Tech programming will be issued following the completion of the July 7th campus assessment.

Thank you for your continued understanding, cooperation, and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Hafa Adai Marianas,

Our campus will be CLOSED tomorrow Thursday, July 2nd 2026 for a scheduled austerity day and Friday, July 3rd 2026 in observance of Independence Day.

Regular office hours will resume Monday, July 6th 2026 from 8:30AM-5:30PM.