Northern News Services
Monday, February 26, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Students from Colville Lake school and Norman Wells' Mackenzie Mountain school explored careers ranging from mechanics and computer technology to food cuisine and health and beauty, this month.

Grades 7 to 9 from both schools enrolled in a career and technology studies course funded by the GNWT's Department of Education Culture and Employment, the Sahtu Divisional Education Council and Imperial Oil.

The course is offered to students at the two schools annually and allows them a chance to explore future career options and develop life skills.

Following the courses, students wrote about their experiences and cited what they liked the best.

"Students got hands-on experience in areas of cosmetology, food studies, small engine maintenance and computers/photography. All students obtained credits for successful completion of the course. Students in the computers/photography course learned a lot about technology in the world today," wrote Grade 7 and 8 students Kathleen T'Seleie, Nigel Gregory and Bryson Rogers.

"These students had the privilege to learn how to edit a video, storyboard and script, and how to take a perfect picture. The practical component also included travelling throughout the community using camcorders and digital cameras to record or take still pictures."

Emily Collier, Aisla Phillips, Kyle Tobac and Kevin Kivi wrote, "Trevor Taylor, a red-seal chef was kind enough to teach 11 lucky students how to cook and how to cook safely. We baked and cooked many different foods throughout the week. We also experienced what it is like to cater for a large group of people. We cooked for 150 people on Friday, Feb. 2. That is our whole school! We served stew, bannock and dessert.

This marked the last day of our career technology studies courses.

Next year we hope the experience will be longer."

Emma Pope added, "I enjoyed the course. The instructors, Mrs. Lylso and Ms. Bolken, were knowledgeable and they were fun to be around. I also enjoyed doing my friends' hair without them arguing with me. I learned how to do hair coloring. Now, I wonder if anyone wants their hair done."