In March 2024, the Skills and Employability Enhancement (SEE) project team embarked on a crucial visit to Yap, a trip that marked a significant step forward in aligning education with the needs of the local economy. This visit focused on strengthening the collaboration between Yap High School and local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The Project Team, accompanied by representatives from the Yap Department of Education (YDOE), including the Director and CTE Specialists, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant Governor Francis Itimai.
During the visit, the SEE Project Team provided an update on the latest project implementations, highlighting the performance grant program at Yap High School and plans to conduct data collection to identify occupations for training program development from 2025.
Lieutenant Governor Francis emphasized the critical importance of skills training for the future of the state and the nation, recognizing the need to create quality jobs to address the growing outmigration trend in FSM. The SEE Project Team reiterated that while vocational education and training projects focus on upskilling and reskilling individuals, concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors are necessary to ensure that a skilled workforce can find decent employment opportunities within FSM.
Director Fanasog highlighted that YDOE promotes a lifelong learning approach to skills training. For instance, YDOE’s Workforce Enrichment Program collaborates with the Yap State Department of Resources and Development (YDR&D) to offer an on-the-job training (OJT) program in the tourism and hospitality sector. This program enables students to gain hands-on experience while applying their school learning in real-world settings.
In addition to the high-level discussions, the SEE team met with key stakeholders, including the Acting Director of the Yap Department of Resources and Development and CTE Coordinators at Yap Department of Education, to discuss the engagement of local businesses in students’ skills acquisition through on-the-job training. Both departments are working together to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding with local businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry, ensuring that Yap High School can offer senior students on-the-job training opportunities. This collaboration will ensure that students gain both classroom learning and practical workplace experience.
Local businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors have shown enthusiasm for this initiative, recognizing the value of providing real-world experience to students preparing for careers in these growing industries. By creating opportunities for students to learn both in the classroom and on the job, the project aims to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
For the students of Yap High School, this on-the-job training supported by the SEE project’s performance grant represents more than just an opportunity to gain experience. It is a chance to see their education come to life in real-world settings, guided by local professionals who are invested in their future success.
As the SEE project continues to unfold, the efforts in Yap serve as a model for how education and industry can work hand-in-hand to create a brighter future for students and the community at large.
