by Jolene Toves

Guam - The Development of Guam's skilled workforce is looking bright as the Guam Contractors Association recognized dozens of people, including two of the island's youth. The GCA recognized 61 individuals who completed on the job training under the Guam Transportation Training Program today.

The program, a partnership with the Department of Public Works and the Guam Trades Academy, allowed these 61 individuals to train for careers in the transportation and construction industry. The 61 recognized today were, among others, two high school students were also honored during the GCA meeting this afternoon. "We have two scholarship recipients for the GCA scholarship and they will be given to two young gentlemen from JFK High School and these scholarships are worth $25,000 to attend the GCA Trades Academy," declared Association president James Martinez.

JFK students Benjamin Basa and Dwayne Blas expressed their excitement with tears of joy and thankfulness for being given the opportunity. Basa said, "I get a chance to fulfill my dreams and to show my talent," with Blas adding, "It's a good opportunity for me and him and we hope that we get there someday."

Basa plans to pursue his studies in carpentry and electrical work, while Blas looks forward to pursuing a career as an architect. "Targeting folks, kids that are coming out of high school where they can actually take a course with the scholarship and hopefully make a determination of whether or not they would like to pursue a career in the construction industry," said Martinez.

The scholarship includes tuition, books and lab fees.