---

Center for Micronesian Empowerment provides more training

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 14, 2011 - According to recent information from the Center for Micronesian Empowerment (CME) in Guam, ten trainees from Pohnpei are currently enrolled in a 90-day boot camp, which centers around construction training classes at the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy. In addition, CME has reported that the State of Chuuk has announced it will send 12 trainees to Guam sometime in June to begin a 4-month intensive training course in "Mechanics" (Automotive Technology).

The trainings under CME's watch are part of a cooperative program between various State's Departments of Education in the FSM, the Center for Micronesian Empowerment (CME) and the GCA Trades Academy.

Mike Ghiglione, Executive Director of the Center for Micronesian Empowerment, stated: "We are pleased with the success of our Micronesian trainees - they are proving every day that they are good, dependable workers."

Trainees from Chuuk have just completed their initial construction training courses. Of the 33 who successfully passed through their training, 30 are now fully employed in Guam, with many hoping to eventually return home to work there.

CME is now working to finalize arrangements for a 90-day "Certified Nursing Assistant" (CNA) program - with hopes to begin the program from October in cooperation with Guam Community College.

"There is a shortage of trained mechanics and nurses' aides on Guam and in the region and we hope these training programs for young Micronesians will address this shortage," Director Ghiglione expressed.