NIPA Unveils New Programs at Business Information Evening.

April 12, 2017

PHILIPSBURG:— On March 11th, 2017, NIPA hosted its first ever Business Information Evening for current and prospective business partners. The goal of the evening was to acknowledge the businesses which have been a dedication to NIPA students and to continue to emphasize the importance of vocational education, internship, and partnership.
The evening started with a dynamic welcome by the Interim Director Dr. Tasheena Maccow Thomas, followed by the NIPA mission and vision and an indication of the various levels of education offered at NIPA and what that means in terms of what can be expected from a graduate. This was presented by the NIPA Marketing and PR Specialist Mrs. Shameda Delaney Weekes who was also the Master of Ceremony. The entire evening was a team effort as NIPA’s instructors and coordinators from the various programs presented information on current programs. This included Nursing Level 3 and 4, presented by Ms. Nichelle Van der Mark, Hospitality Level 1 presented by Mr. Alexander Adoptie, Cook Level 1 and 2 presented by Ms. Renata De Weever, ICT Level 2 presented by Mr. Carlos Monsanto, Maritime Level 1 presented by Mr. Rien Korteknie and Social Pedagogical Worker Level 2 and 3 presented by Ms. Patricia Arrindell. The presenters kept the presentations short and concise, keeping businesses engaged and filled with questions. At the end of this segment, businesses indicated that they had a lot more clarity on what students receive in the various programs which are currently offered at NIPA.
A drumroll was the introduction of the unveiling of the New NIPA Programs, which are scheduled to start in September of 2017. These new programs include: Business Administration Level 3 and 4, Educational Assistant Level 4, Network Administrator level 4, Culinary Arts level 4, Hospitality Management level 4, Sports & Physical Activity & Recreation level 3 and 4, Electrical Engineering level 2 and 3, Small Engine Repair level 1, Automotive technician level 1 and 2, Boat master level 2 and Pre-SBO (preparatory) level 1. After the unveiling, attendees were quite pleased with the amount of new programs that will be starting as expressed in comments and facial expression.
Ms. Sherritza Peterson then proceeded to touch base on the care that is offered at NIPA, in her capacity as The Social Worker followed by The Job Coach Coordinator Mrs. Andrea Gibson-Paul who touched base on the requirements, procedures, and the importance of internship for a student to successfully complete a program. The evening ended with businesses being awarded a Certificate of Partnership, as a token of appreciation, if they are internship partners or if NIPA has signed an MOU with the organization. Among the businesses that were present that received a Certificate of Partnership included GEBE, Sr. Basillia Center, White and Yellow Cross, 98.1 Pearl F.M, Busy Body Playschool, Ideal Playschool and St. Maarten Early Childhood Development Association which includes several playschools. The event started at 6:00 pm and ended at 8:45 pm, after which attendees enjoyed tasty finger foods prepared by students of the Culinary Department. This in itself was an experience as a culinary student prepared deep fried tempura shrimp upstairs on the NIPA patio, while businesses, NIPA staff and instructors engaged in discussion about the event and possibilities for the respective businesses well after the event had ended.