Arviat (Jun 28/06) - For the first time in several years, there could be dozens of students populating positions at Arviat businesses this fall.

That's because teachers at Qitiqliq high school have resurrected a course that gives pupils a chance to try their hand at everything from construction to bureaucracy.

Sandra Kayavinik and Deanna Amarudjak practise first aid at Qitiqliq high school in Arviat. - photo courtesy of Heather Macdonald

"Practical experience... is important because it brings realism into the school curriculum," Heather Macdonald, a guidance counsellor at the school said.

Macdonald and another teacher, Chi Chi Arinze, revived the program, which had been dormant since 2002 or 2003. The chief stumbling block had been a lack of certified first aid instructors in Arviat; before students are allowed into the workplace, they need to know CPR, Macdonald said.

About 23 Grade 10 and 11 students gave mouth-to-mouth to dummies earlier this month and should be placed in local business come the fall.

19-year-old Martha Koomak was one student who took part in the class. She said first aid was "fun" and was looking forward to working in the fall, though she hasn't decided what she wants to do.

Macdonald said any time spent in the workplace benefits students.

"We spoke to adults who had been through the program and they said it was one of the most valuable things they did in high school."

Practical experience reinforces the importance of sometimes ethereal classes like math, science and English, Macdonald said.

"That realization can be helpful for a student struggling with attendance and (marks)," Macdonald said.

"They can see the future."

For now, there is only one certified first aid instructor in the southern-most Kivalliq community.

Macdonald hopes that once others are trained, the CPR courses can be offered to more students, making them eligible for the work experience program.