Inuvik - A new class is starting, and these students are being prepared for the working life.

The work readiness program opened its doors to 15 young adults who are looking to increase their resume.

The work readiness program launched earlier this month. It gives young adults the skills needed to pursue employment and continue their education. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Lorraine Stiles is the program co-ordinator. She said the participants have come from all walks of life with a common goal: to get a good job and learn some new skills.

Stiles said that a selection process was done to choose the initial group for the program.

"We did some assessments and looked at each applicant for the course," she said.

Once the group was chosen, the classes began on Sept. 17.

"We're hosting a grand opening event on Oct. 2," said Stiles.

The event will take place at the office on Bonnetplume, where the course is being offered.

Stiles said that because the aim of the program is to teach skills that would apply to getting a job, she doesn't emphasize the 'school' aspect of their courses.

"We have our learning environment, which really looks like an office," she said.

A large room has been outfitted with individual computers around the walls and a conference table in the middle of the room.

"We wanted to stray away from the feeling of a classroom," said Stiles.

The work readiness class has the regular hours you would expect from any office, with the participants coming in at 9 a.m. and leaving at 4:30 p.m.

Stiles said that she wants to have people come in to the class and speak with the students about careers and what it takes to survive in the workforce.

"I want to have someone new come in every week to talk with the group," she said.

The classes will run until March, when the group will be sent out on a work placement.

"We want to give them a hands on feel to being in a working environment," she said.

Tyson Joe is one of the students who took interest in the course.

"I saw the ad on the rolling channel and signed up for it," said Joe.

Working with computers is something that Joe is familiar with.

"We're working on some media right now, which is on the computer," he said.

Joe said that he wanted something constructive to do with his time, which is why he signed up.

"I was just at home, doing nothing," he said.

"I recommend the course for anyone."

Rena Gordon is another participant who wanted to get out and work.

"The ad said I could get work experience and finish school," said Gordon.

"I want to get a job to support me and my daughter."

Gordon said she is looking for employment in the business sector.

"I'd also like to try out law, when I got back to school," she said.

"I want to start locally, then do some traveling."

Gordon said she is happy to be in the program because it is teaching her new skills and she is doing new things.

"I'd recommend this for sure," she said.