Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 18/98) - The Department of Public Works and Services isn't wasting any time.

With division less than a year away, the territorial department decided to take a proactive approach and ensure that their employees had the skills they needed before Nunavut becomes official.

To execute the training, they put the contract out to tender and hired two consultants to run the program in three Nunavut communities.

It's called Business Writing, Word Processing and Presentations.

"We learn more about computer programs and what they're capable of, talking in front of people, giving presentations and about the Internet," Regilee Adla, one of eight students enrolled in the course in Iqaluit, said.

"We use the computers quite often and I personally am not familiar with what certain programs can offer. Some of the duties I do require business letters and memos and faxes and some of the programs offer templates which I never knew about."

Adla said her primary goal is to learn more about the Internet.

"Getting familiar with how to access more information on a specific thing I need to know at my workplace -- that is my goal."

Mick Meekitjuk said he was sorry he had not learned about computers earlier.

"For 32 years I've been an electrician. I wish I had this thing 32 years ago. It's hard, especially at my age. I'm not young any more. I hope young people start to learn early," said Meekitjuk.

Meekitjuk said he plans to use his newly acquired skills in the development of the new territory.

"This will help Nunavut a lot. There is so much information, so many things in there. It's a matter of a person learning how to use it. You've got the key, learn how to unlock it."

Rebecca Salmonson, one of the few students enrolled in the course who is not an employee of the department, said the program helped her with her presentation skills.

"With the presentations, they start off easy so if you're a nervous talker, you work your way up," she said.

The ability to meet each student's individual needs at their own levels is part of what made the program so effective.

"Rather than just teach computer skills, we also teach writing skills. The two go hand in hand, it's comprehensive and not segregated. That's why it's so successful and more interesting to teach," said Heather Hay, one of the program's consultant.

It is divided into two parts, the first being an assessment of the students' skill levels, and the second providing enough training to elevate their skills by one level, she said.

"It's a unique approach. We're not coming in here with a format."

Hay said this permitted students to thrive.

"Other departments are doing stuff but I don't know if it's this successful. The feedback from all the communities has been very successful and the students are quite pleased," said Hay.

"They decided they wanted to get their employees ready for Nunavut, with skills in the upper positions. It's a creative, proactive approach and they're meeting their responsibilities for Nunavut. It's really exciting."