National Apprenticeship Week in the CNMI
November 15-21, 2021
WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is celebrating its 7th anniversary of raising awareness of the vital role that Registered Apprenticeships play in providing opportunities to the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to well-paying careers and the ability to advance in those careers; and
WHEREAS, the advancement and well-being of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands depends upon its ability to expand opportunities in its workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality in their chosen fields; and
WHEREAS, the Registered Apprenticeship programs will address critical workforce training needs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, the Registered Apprenticeship programs will further strengthen the existing partnerships between the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Department of Labor, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Public School System, the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, and the Northern Marianas College; and
WHEREAS, the Registered Apprenticeship programs through the identified partnerships above are continuously working to improve and expand the Apprenticeship infrastructure for sponsors, participants, institutions of higher education, to implement the Apprenticeship system of the United States Department of Labor in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to secure high-paying jobs; and
WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ economy and provide a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, rural communities, justice-involved individuals and individuals with special needs, to become apprentices and contribute to America’s industries; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands recognizes that Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, provides a critical talent pipeline that can train and build our workforce to address our nation’s pressing issues such as responding to climate change, modernizing our cybersecurity response, addressing public health issues, and rebuilding our country’s infrastructure.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do hereby declare November 15, 2021, through November 21, 2021, as
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK IN THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, apprentices, educational institutions, and critical community partners to support Registered Apprenticeships. As a Commonwealth, we fully understand the challenges of addressing our unique workforce needs to rebuild our economy and create new opportunities for our people to prosper.
I commend the collaboration between the Northern Marianas College, the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, the CNMI Public School System, and the CNMI Department of Labor for leading in this important work of building a highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of our community. As we prepare for the end of the CW transition period in 2029, workforce development is everyone’s business, and my administration will continue to be an advocate and a partner in this collaborative effort.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 15th day of November 2021.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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