The CNMI Needs Skilled Workers – NMTech Calls on Residents to Answer the Need

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 resident 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.