Yellowknife (Feb 25/05) - The official opening of the Akaitcho Trades and Technical Centre was held Monday, celebrating the bright future of trades training.

Located within Sir John Franklin high school, the centre has been training students in various trades skills for 48 years.

Today, the revamped centre incorporates career and technology studies, enabling students to gain credits in culinary arts, electronics, small engine repair and various other skills.

Anne-Mieke Cameron, principal of Sir John Franklin high school, said eight years ago renovations took place at the school, but a name was only attached to it recently.

"We thought very carefully about technology program needs for future generations - what we needed to change and what we needed to keep," Cameron said.

Last semester at the school, there were 625 enrolments in career and technology studies courses, 382 male and 243 female.

During the celebration, Education, Culture and Employment Minister Charles Dent said he was pleased with the opportunities the centre provides.

"It will benefit the students of Yellowknife. It's an important partnership," Dent said.

"Never has the demand for trades training been greater."

Dent also said thousands of jobs can be expected in the trades and technology sector in the North in the future.