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07/03/2025—The Saipan Chamber of Commerce hosted a double-header of major educational updates last June 2 at Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall, as Northern Marianas Technical Institute and Northern Marianas College showcased their rapid expansion plans and ongoing contributions to workforce development in the CNMI.
NMTech data analyst Leo Master Jr. highlighted the institute’s mission to equip local residents with technical skills that match evolving industry needs.
“We are trying to equip our people with the skills that matter by offering training tailored to meet the real needs of the local industries and building strong career pathways and empowering individuals to do hands-on development. We're not just preparing our workforce, but we're strengthening our economy and shaping a future that's competitive, capable, and also very resilient,” he said.
He reported that since COVID-19, NMTech enrollment has rebounded strongly, with nearly 500 students enrolled in the past four years and 230 certifications awarded across 18 programs—exceeding their initial expectations.
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Aaron Tomokane then touted NMTech’s new and growing team that now includes instructors in electrical, industrial maintenance, architecture, electronic systems, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and automotive fields.
He also emphasized ongoing partnerships with the CNMI Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program and the CNMI Public School System for dual-enrollment training.
Key federal grants that are helping NMTech scale its offerings, include the Office of Insular Affairs’ Maintenance Assistance Program and a pending Economic Development Administration to construct a new campus in Koblerville.
He said NMTech’s ongoing programs include Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety courses returning this August and the Solid Waste Management Education Program for Department of Public Works staff.
Tomokane also highlighted the success of the Governor’s Broadband Program, which trained over 270 participants in fiber optic installation and workplace readiness on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The program directly supports the CNMI’s broadband expansion under federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funding.
NMTech Special Programs director Benjamin Babauta then invited the public to the aforementioned new campus in Koblerville, which will hold its groundbreaking ceremony July 11. Despite the new five-building facility, Babauta said NMTech will still retain their old campus in Lower Base.
Babauta said NMTech is also planning the CNMI Safety Conference in August and announced upcoming partnerships with the National Renewable Energy Lab and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. for the Food Protection Program.
New buildings, expanding research capacity at NMC
Northern Marianas College president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero gave a rousing presentation detailing the multi-year transformation of NMC’s As Terlaje campus.
“We've been able to secure about $100 million in federal grants and other funding sources. We need $100 million more. But even though, you know, inflation is kicking in, and labor is a challenge, and building, period, in the Northern Marianas is a challenge, we are committed to bringing a brand-new NMC to the Northern Marianas,” he said.
Deleon Guerrero then unveiled progress on the three-story student center—to be rechristened PROA Student Union—that will include a dining hall for 400 guests, a modern student services center, and conference spaces. It will be operational by Sept. 30, 2025.
He also shared updates on the newly completed College Lane, the rerouted and upgraded roadway with critical utility infrastructure. He announced plans for the upcoming Center for Research and Extension Development, which will expand laboratory and research capabilities and support agricultural and food export efforts with modern biohazard facilities.
Additional new projects include the Workforce Development and Training Center, which will host NMC’s business, nursing, and vocational programs, and two classroom buildings for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and humanities, slated for completion in fall 2026.
“We just finished the 100% design, and we're going to be going out to bid for that real soon. We're looking at our partners out there. [Northern Marianas Housing Corp.] is making some final changes to make sure we have the accurate cost estimates,” said Deleon Guerrero.
He also presented the college’s long-term Facilities Master Plan, affirming that commitments made during NMC’s rebuild after Super Typhoon Yutu are coming to fruition.
“We invite you to hop on our proa. We invite you to join with us as we sail ahead. Yes, there's a lot of uncertainty. Yes, the economy sucks. It does. But you know what? I see good people here in the Chamber. I see good people in our community. I see good people all around doing what they can to make things better. And that's what we are committed to doing at NMC. So, as we sail ahead for another 45 years, we invite you to hop on board the proa. As I often say at the end of every speech, join us as we stay safe, stay calm, and sail on,” said Deleon Guerrero.
By Mark Rabago
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