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 Aurora College students are the first to benefit from the new trade centre. Peter Bonnetrouge of Yellowknife and Brian Ruben of Paulatuk are busy assembling a wooden shed during class. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo |
The Career and Technical Centre (CTC) opened its doors Jan. 5 after construction wrapped up earlier than expected.
The $1.8 million project is the baby of the Yellowknife Catholic School District.
Nine Aurora College students became its first users this month as the Construction Trades Access program got under way. The four-month program will open a world of opportunity to students flocking to the program from as far away as Fort Resolution, said Allyson Stroeder, CTC co-ordinator.
"This shows what a community-based program this is," she said. "This will give them an introduction to things they've never had the chance to do before."
Edward Grandjambe moved to Yellowknife from Fort Good Hope after reading about the program in the newspaper.
The full-time student hopes he'll land a career as an electrician.
"Hopefully, if I get good math marks here, I can find a company to take me on," said Grandjambe.
More work to do
The construction trades access course is just the beginning for the CTC.
By the time the centre is fully up and running, Stroeder hopes public and Catholic school students will be taking courses, along with community members and local business workers.
"It makes sense to use the taxpayers' dollar to the best and share facilities," she said.
Grade 7 and 8 students from YCS schools will start career exploration courses at the CTC in March. The centre fills a big gap for Catholic school kids in Yellowknife.
High school students need five career and technical studies credits to graduate, but right now choices are limited to just a few subjects. With the opening of the CTC, students will be able to choose anything from cosmetology to electronics. More equipment is still needed before then, stressed Stroeder.
The district is looking to local businesses to help stock a unique multi-station lab in one section of the building.
The lab will offer everything from robotics to thermal systems lessons.
Each course of study comes with equipment, a computer and training for the instructor.
After class was over, Grandjambe summarized the new building perfectly. "It's easy to get used to," he said with a grin.
