Collaborative Partnerships and Supports

Collaborative partnerships are essential for the success of WBL programs in Guam. The Guam Department of Labor, in coordination with local workforce development boards, oversees the implementation of WIOA initiatives. These boards bring together representatives from government, business, education, and community organizations to conduct labor market analysis, identify skill gaps and workforce needs, and recommend policies and programs to address workforce challenges. The Guam Workforce Development Board is an example of such a body in Guam.

The Guam Chamber of Commerce, industry associations, and employers across various sectors actively engage with educational institutions to provide work placements, mentorship opportunities, and input on curriculum development. Private sector employers provide input on workforce needs, offer job training opportunities, participate in apprenticeship programs or WBL initiatives. The private sector in Guam plays a critical role in providing employment as it employs almost 50,000 individuals compared to 15,300 employees within the local and federal government.^[7] The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program (GRAP), managed by the Department of Labor, partners with Guam Community College, University of Guam, Guam Construction Association (GCA) Trades Academy, Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, and Guam Contractors Association to provide on the job training in high demand industries.^[8]

Businesses that participate in GRAP benefit by creating a pipeline for their employment needs while receiving 50% tax credit incentives for eligible training costs such as apprentice and instructor wages.^[9] There are 48 registered employers offering almost 400 apprenticeships positions in which 639 individuals are currently enrolled in the program.^[10] Notably there has been a 200% increase in enrollment from prior years.^[11] The work-based learning requirements through GRAP can range from completing 2,000–8,000 hours of experiential learning and training during a span of 2–4 years depending on the occupation.^[12] In fact, industries such as telecommunications, ship repair, automotive, security, and health care have seen an increase in their skilled labor in recent years because companies involved in the program are taking advantage of apprenticeship and their partnerships with educational institutions to design innovative WBL pathway programs.^[13]

The program is looking to expand to meet the demands of emerging other industries such as aviation, building maintenance repair, aquaculture, renewable energy, and education.^[14] Other Government of Guam agencies also take advantage of the apprenticeship program to recruit employees and prepare for succession planning. These agencies include the Guam Police Department, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Department of Corrections, Guam Power Authority to name a few.^[15]

Collaboration between government agencies and employers helps ensure that workforce development programs are aligned with industry demands. An example of a successful partnership is the U.S. Department of Economic Development (DED) partnered with the Guam Contractors Association (GCA) to help alleviate the critical workers shortage that was exacerbating construction costs on the island. GCA established a vocational training program, the GCA Trades Academy, in 2006, but struggled to secure permanent facilities to support its programs. In 2016, with the support of a $2 million grant from DED, GCA acquired property in which now more than 300 Guamanians are annually receiving instruction in high-demand occupations like carpentry, HVAC maintenance, plumbing, welding, and project management.^[16]

Guam’s government agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), offer a range of support services for students, workers, and employers to facilitate access to WBL opportunities. These services may include career counseling, job placement assistance, transportation subsidies, and financial aid programs. Targeted initiatives are available to support underserved populations, such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. Additionally, GEDA’s Workforce Development Division provides grants and incentives to employers to promote the hiring and training of local talent, further strengthening the WBL ecosystem.

While government, businesses, and education institutions may provide additional services to support education and training and increase success rates, nonprofit organizations and community groups also contribute to the island’s workforce development. They often play supportive roles by providing services such as job readiness training, career counseling, and support for disadvantaged populations such migrant and homeless populations. Additionally, these organizations may also advocate for policies that promote workforce development and economic opportunity for all residents.

Another notable organization is the Guam Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), established in 2017 by a group of dedicated CTE professionals including Dr. Sam Mabini Young, Dr. Bert Johnston (GCA Trades Academy), Rose Marie Nanpei (GCC), Eric Chong (GCC), Marivic Schrage (GCC), and Joseph Sanchez (Guam DOE), with the aim of becoming an associate member of the National ACTE.^[17] This incorporated organization has a primary focus on CTE, seeking to raise awareness, promote advocacy, foster local research agendas, provide technical assistance, facilitate networking activities, contribute to policy development, and serve as a resource clearinghouse. It stands as another example of the impactful partnerships crucial for advancing WBL initiatives and driving progress for Guam and the wider region.^[18]