Today however, she's switched direction and now aspires to become a mechanic.

Cambridge Bay resident Sandra Eyegetok spoke to Taloyoak residents about the labour market and employment insurance opportunities in Nunavut. - photo courtesy of Gina Pizzo

Though she said she hasn't had much experience with engines, she suspects she has a natural flair for their inner workings. Her knowledge comes from an experience Pizzo-Lyall shared with a relative at the age of 13.

"Me and my cousin took a snowmobile apart and put it back together and it still works. I think that's okay," said Pizzo-Lyall, now 15.

Her dream became a little more real after she had the chance to speak with Kim Smith, an official from Nunavut's apprenticeship office in Cambridge Bay.

Smith was one of several participants partaking in the recent Kitikmeot trade fair.

The group of presenters hit schools and college campuses in hamlets across the region, including Netsilik school in Taloyoak where Pizzo-Lyall attends Grade 10.

"I asked a few questions like how do I get (to be a mechanic)? Do I have to finish school? How long does it take to be a mechanic," said Pizzo-Lyall.

Pizzo-Lyall plans to stay in school because if she doesn't, she learned it will take her even longer to complete her apprenticeship as a mechanic.

"You have to go through a longer learning process that way," she said.

Netsilik school principal Gina Pizzo also found the fair worthwhile. She changed the structure this year to ensure students reaped all the possible benefits. Students were asked to choose which careers they wanted to learn more about and then prepared a series of pertinent questions to ask presenters.

"The format was much better. Students prepared questions beforehand and it went very well," she said.

"I liked it. The questions were good, the kids were attentive. It was a more intimate setting," she said.

Professionals from Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian Armed Forces, police officers and a mental health worker were also on hand for the event.