About the National Training Council
For over 30 years, we have helped Marshallese workers, students, and local businesses build practical skills, earn trusted certifications, and find good jobs close to home.
Our Purpose & How We Work
Industries Development Act (1991)
Statutory Authority & Lead Coordinating Body
The National Training Council was founded to support Marshallese people of all ages in learning trades, mastering essential skills, and building thriving local careers across every island and atoll.
Partnering with Community Schools & Trainers
Rather than running classes directly, NTC teams up with trusted local training institutions like the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) and the University of the South Pacific (USP). We provide funding, set standards, and make sure every course delivers practical skills that help students succeed.
Recognized Qualifications
Making sure the certificates you earn are respected by employers both at home and across the Pacific region.
Serving Every Atoll
Bringing workshops, hands-on learning, and tools directly to families across the Ratak and Ralik chains.
Investing in Local Talent
Non-Resident Workers Fund
Statutory levy collected from foreign employment permits. By law, these funds are ring-fenced and directly reinvested into:
- Youth apprenticeships & stipends: Helping young Marshallese gain paid, on-the-job experience.
- Maritime & trade training: Full support for seamanship, navigation, mechanics, and carpentry.
- Employer training grants: Assisting island businesses in mentoring and hiring local staff.
Guided by Our Community
Our council brings together three key voices to ensure our training meets real needs:
Vision, Mission & Guiding Core Values
Our Vision
“A Marshall Islands workforce that is highly skilled, resilient, and globally competitive, driving sustainable national development and a vibrant, inclusive economy.”
Our Mission
“To equip residents of the Marshall Islands with the skills and attributes needed for gainful employment and to contribute to a more vibrant economy that is less dependent on foreign workers.”
Council Core Values
The ethical principles and public commitments guiding our operations, accreditation standards, and national workforce programs.
Visible and Accessible
Bringing vocational training, guidance, and apprenticeships directly to our communities across all 24 inhabited atolls, ensuring every Marshallese citizen has open access to career pathways.
Collaborative and Engaging
Working closely with local employers, educators, municipal councils, and island leaders to build practical workforce solutions together.
Innovative and Informed
Using real-world labor insights and modern training practices tailored specifically to our unique island environments and maritime heritage.
Responsive and Forward-Looking
Moving quickly to match emerging job needs in renewable energy, healthcare, trades, and sustainable local enterprise.
Transparent and Accountable
Managing public training resources and grants with complete integrity, openness, and measurable benefit to our people.
Where We Are & What Lies Ahead
Investing in Our Own People
For years, many skilled technical positions in the Marshall Islands relied on overseas labor. Today, our young people are ready to take on those roles. By learning hands-on trades, our graduates earn good livelihoods and build an independent future for our islands.
Workforce Milestones & Progress
Across 13 inhabited atolls in technical fields
Direct private and public workplace placements
Decentralized maritime and vocational outreach
National Qualifications: We established clear skill benchmarks so every graduate's certificate is celebrated and honored by island employers.
Maritime Safety Partnerships: We teamed up with regional maritime academies to train local crews, mechanics, and boat operators.
Five Focus Areas for Our Communities
Keeping courses current and ensuring students learn with up-to-date tools and techniques.
Training in high-need fields like solar maintenance, internet cabling, and boat refrigeration.
Sending travelling mentors and workshop kits so remote youth can train without leaving their families.
Connecting graduates directly with local companies, workshops, and island utility services.
Investing every dollar responsibly to keep apprenticeships funded for generations to come.
Council Leadership & Oversight
Hon. Gerald Zackios
Minister of Education, Sports & Training
“With the right investment in human capital, we can empower our people to lead, innovate, and sustain our development journey.”
Mr. Junior Paul
Chairperson, NTC Board of Directors
“The Board fully supports the vision of a Marshall Islands where every person, regardless of location or background, has the opportunity to acquire skills that lead to dignity, purpose, and prosperity.”