Testimonials

The success of the GCA Trades Academy can be seen today, in the impressive accomplishments of those who have participated in the GCA Trades Academy’s courses, honed their skills, and secured employment, thanks to the dedicated staff and their practical approach to vocational instruction. – Vickie Fish, Executive Director, Guam Girl Scouts

The GCA Trades Academy is a huge benefit to our island and our region. The Trades Academy gives the people of Guam another venue to learn a skill, receive proper training, and obtain national certifications. All of which helps our people and our economy. – Juanita Blaz, Program Director, Island Girl Power

The GCA Trades Academy gives the local population and businesses the opportunity to hire local. The academy can only help the economy by providing the skills needed for employment. Being certified by the Trades Academy gives an advantage to those competing for a job because the certificate from the academy reflects that a potential employee has learned the ability, talent, and knowledge that will be a benefit to a company. – Richard Burkhart, Teacher, Department of Defense Education Activity and Licensed Electrician

We’ve faced our own challenges in creating the Huråo Academy, and expanding our programs so that we can reach as many of our island’s children as possible. Over the years, Bert has lent his own managerial expertise to our programs, expertise stemming from his long history of administrative experience on Guam. We’ve always been appreciative of his advice and well wishes, and we hope that we’ve shown that appreciation by implementing his advice in the service of our mission, in creating programs that keep the Chamoru language alive and thriving on our island for generations to come. – Anne Marie Arceo, President; Huråo, Inc.

We stand by the Trades Academy’s commitment to providing the knowledge and tools to those who want to improve themselves. -Leonard Kaae, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Black Construction

The GCA Trades Academy is poised to become a powerful source of growth for our island economy, and I’m impressed by the success the academy has already experienced over the past four and a half years. -Paul Calvo, Vice President & General Manager, Calvo’s Insurance; Board Member, 2012-2013 GCA Board of Directors

The years of field experience and continued education that the instructors at the Trades Academy draw from is invaluable to the classes. It prepares students for what they will encounter in the field – a mixture of theory and practical knowledge. -Genaro Danila, General Manager, Allied Pacific Builders

One could ask the question: What makes the curriculum at the Trades Academy so special? The answer is simple: The curriculum is nationally recognized, standardized, portable, and competency-based. The curriculum is from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). NCCER instructors are professional, local tradesmen who know their craft and are able to communicate the knowledge to the students. Since the program are module based, the schedule is flexible, and provides for a mix of students and instructors to increase variety and learning in the classroom. — Chit Bathan, Ace Builders; Immediate Past Chairwoman, Guam Contractors Association Board of Directors

I’ve really enjoyed working with Dr. Bert Johnston and the Board of Trustees at the Trades Academy. I have great admiration for the leadership there. In partnering with the CME, the Trades Academy is enabling individuals to better themselves and take advantage of opportunities. Reaching further and deeper to empower underserved populations changes lives for the better. -Ansito Walter, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, University of Guam

The GCA Trades Academy has had a genuinely positive impact on the island’s workforce and I am honored to have been a part of its formation. Stemming from the concept that training is the key to success, over the years it has become a center for skills and knowledge development in the construction industry on Guam. – Tom Nielson, President, Maeda Pacific Corporation

The GCA Trades Academy has been an invaluable asset to our improvement goals. The Trades Academy’s programs are viable and really work. The practical knowledge is, of course, beneficial, but the impact goes well beyond functionality. Employees gain confidence through the training and it’s a tremendous morale booster. This creates job satisfaction and a positive work environment. – Rey Llaneta, Manager, Western Pacific Region, Chugach

As an island community, we’ll need to provide the workforce the opportunity to be trained and to develop skills to take advantage of the opportunities now and in the future. The GCA Trades Academy is critical to the future of the construction industry. – Bill Hagen, Pacific Pest Control

As a founder of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter, I congratulate the GCA Trades Academy on its years in operation, training Guam’s workforce and elevating the level of trade expertise across Guam’s construction industry. – Jaylene Kent, President, Isla Paint & Roofing Supply; Founding President, NAWIC Guam

The GCA Trades Academy covers a broad range of construction disciplines, so students don’t have to look far to gain technical experience. Because residents can learn and become certified in a trade on island, they don’t need to spend a lot of money traveling and relocating for education and training in the states. Students can save money, stay close to their families and build their futures right here on Guam. – Ray Yanger, Account Executive, Matson

We’re especially proud of our drivers, who have been through the Trades Academy’s safety programs. Our drivers have been well trained to prevent safety hazards and environmental hazards from developing as they transport material, safeguarding the public, themselves, and their cargo. – Art Chan, Engineering & Marketing Manager, HRP

The Guam Contractors Association has been a prime sponsor of the GCA Trades Academy, and we continue to be proud of the benefits that the GCA Trades Academy provides to our construction industry, to Guam, and to Micronesia. – Bill Beery, Guam Contractors Association, Chairman, 2012-2013 Board of Director

I was on the GCA Board of Directors when we first came up the notion of developing the GCA Trades Academy, and I’m overjoyed that it has become successful. It’s been an adventure, one that has benefited and will continue to benefit the entire community of Guam. Tom Anderson, Executive Vice President, Black Construction Company

The GCA Trades Academy has always been very supportive of local workers who want to increase their skills. Classes are available at nights and on weekends, allowing students to continue working at their jobs during business hours while enhancing their skill sets. There’s no interruption of work, and the increased training will bring students advancement in their trade, higher pay, and greater support in the industry. – Narci Dimaoala, President and General Manager, Amazon Construction, Inc.

The GCA Trades Academy is so important to our community because, as its programs have shown, it adds value to the construction industry. The Trades Academy is truly a valuable tool to a company wishing to expand the skills of its workforce and improve the quality of construction on Guam. – Ron Young, Director of Development, Parker Brothers International

The GCA Trades Academy regularly accepts students from throughout the Micronesian region, whose islands don’t have training programs of their own. A number of our students who graduate from high school here in Rota move to Guam to continue pursuing educational opportunities, including those available at the Trades Academy. – Martin Mendiola, Former Assistant Principal, Simon Sanchez High School; Former Program Coordinator, Northern Marianas College, Rota Instructional Site

At First Hawaiian Bank, we are committed to supporting our island’s workforce, and in so doing, strengthening our economy. We believe that the GCA Trades Academy plays a critical role in training our local labor force, and we are happy to continue to provide our support. – Edward G. Untalan, Senior Vice President and Banking Center Manager, First Hawaiian Bank, Maite Banking Center.