INUVIK
The regional competition put on by Skills Canada as well as the annual career fair touched down in Inuvik last week.

Kenzie Cockney, front, checks out an interactive display put on by Corey Baetz, Erin Dean and Chris Kemschall of the NWT Power Corp. at the career fair March 3. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

The event March 3 brought with it not only a chance for students to show off, but also for them to consider what kind of work they would like to do after graduation.

"There's always something new to learn from others," said Natalja Westwood, who has represented the region at national Skills Canada competitions in photography in the past.

While she classifies herself as a still-life photographer, the challenge last week was to create three portraits. Westwood said that competing against others in her field has been a confidence boost and the experience has largely paved the way for her to become a professional photographer.

Of course, that's the whole idea. Skills Canada's Jan Fullerton said despite a few minor hiccups, the event was proceeding as planned.

"We lost out a little bit to the Arctic Winter Games," she said. "But student engagement has been pretty good."

Indeed, 39 students participated in competitions in photography, hairdressing, carpentry, modern and traditional sewing, cooking and baking, and small engine repair. While participation numbers were down from the Sahtu, it was the first time students from Sachs Harbour were able to travel to Inuvik for the event.

As for exhibitors at the career fair, Fullerton said there were about 30 of them - more than are typically present for territorial competitions. She said the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and other local organizations helped with recruitment.

Exhibitors included various government departments and colleges, along with industry members like Advanced Medical Solutions, which recently took over ground ambulance services in the community.

As students filtered in and out of various competitions and the fair itself, some very well may have been inspired for their own futures.

"The first year I came here, I didn't know what I wanted to do," said Westwood. "When I was here, I decided, this is what I want to do."