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Participants in a driller program offered in Rankin Inlet this past month are Joe Jr. Kaludjak, Steven Maktar, Randy Shamee, Colin Suluk, Noel Jr. Kaludjak and George Noah, back row from left, and Willy Twyee, Brian Tanuyak, Steven Kigusiutnak, Ray Netser and Collie MacDonald (instructor), front row from left. Missing from photo is Kevin Malla. - photo courtesy of Joeffrey Kaludjak

RANKIN INLET - Almost a dozen Inuit workers are ready for employment in the oil and gas industry after completing a 20-day driller program in Rankin Inlet this past month.

Joeffrey Kaludjak is the owner of Kivalliq Drilling, which offers core-drilling services to exploration companies.

This was the first training program his company co-ordinated, but Kaludjak is hoping to offer the course on an annual basis to develop a local workforce of Nunavut land-claim beneficiaries.

"I wanted to make this course available so there would be more local Inuit who would have certified training," said Kaludjak.

"Once they have all their certifications in the field, I hope that will lead to more Inuit employed in the industry.

"Everyone who completed this course can be employed in the industry now.

"I'm very pleased in the quality of course Maritime Drilling Schools delivered in Rankin and I'm grateful to Karyna Kolola and the board of directors at Kivalliq Partners for supporting this program."

Collie MacDonald of the Maritime school in North Sydney, N.S., taught the safety aspects of the program.

MacDonald said the course was a pre-employment program that trains participants for the oil and gas industry.

He said those who pass the course should be able to take immediate employment on an oil rig and have no problem doing the work.

"We had a number of guys in class who are involved in the coring industry and wanted to expand their knowledge on that field as well as into other areas," said MacDonald.

"We also had students this was all new to.

"Some students are hoping for coring work here in Nunavut, while others hope to use the training to find jobs in Western Canada."

The course started with 15 students, with 11 completing the training.

MacDonald said the 11 who finished the program are prepared for what lies ahead.

"I'd be confident in any of the guys who finished the Rankin course if I heard they got a job offer for coring work or on a rig.

"As long as they show up for their shift and are prepared for the hard work that comes with being employed in this industry, each one of them can have success at it.

"It's a demanding industry and if you don't do your part on the job, you're quickly replaced.

"We make that clear to everyone in the program."