INUVIK - Douglas Sittichinli is on a mission to create the perfect cream puff.

But the 16-year-old admits it's no easy task.

Kandace Sittichinli poses beside her prized 1997 Ford Escort LX on Monday, just a few hours before flying to Yellowknife to compete in the Territorial Skill's Competition. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

It has to have the right flavour, texture and contain just the right amount of cream.

"I'm still trying to make a cream puff that works out perfectly," he said with a laugh.

The Samuel Hearne Secondary School student has a passion for making desserts, so much so that he typically spends four nights a week baking up a storm in his kitchen.

Just ask him and he'll tell you he makes a mean chocolate chip cookie, and his bread ranks right up there with the best of them.

"It's actually quite fun. It's just something that I've always really liked to do."

In fact he plans to make a career out of it, hoping one day to open up his own bakery. He doesn't give a hoot about what anybody thinks of his ambition.

"It's a job," he said. "I think if you like it, you should just do it."

Douglas was among 20 students from the Inuvik school who travelled to Yellowknife to compete in the 12th annual Territorial Skills Competition on April 20. Held at four different facilities in the capital city, the event had students from around the Territories competing in several disciplines, including baking and cooking, welding, carpentry, hairstyling and workplace safety. Douglas, of course, competed in the baking category and prior to the event he said he was hoping for a top-three finish. He also said he was thrilled to just participate.

"I'm just looking to learn more about baking and to just have fun," he said.

The event is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in skilled trades and technology. A career expo sponsored by the territorial government and the North Slave Career Centre was scheduled to be held at the high school gymnasiums.

Douglas' schoolmate Kandace Sittichinli, 18, was ready to put her mechanic skills to the test in the small engine category. Last year she placed third against some stiff competition.

"I beat some boys, too," she said with a laugh.

In the fall she'll attend college to become an automotive mechanic.

"I've always been interested in it. I love working with my hands."

The handy teenager is forever tinkering with her 1997 Ford Escort LX. She regularly changes the oil in her mom's vehicle, for a fee of $50, of course.

She can hardly wait to get her hands dirty full time.

"Everyone tells me I can do it; I know I can too," she said.