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Class of the Kitikmeot

Add nine more men to the list of people trained for jobs in the North's growing economy.

Northern News Services

Cambridge Bay (May 21/01) - For nine men, four weeks of training opens a lifetime of opportunities.

The men, from communities across the Kitikmeot region, graduated from the Spring 2000 Heavy Equipment Operator's Course last week. For many, the opportunity gave their lives new meaning.

"I'd recommend this course to people who want something to look forward to in life," said Kugluktuk resident Roland Heisinger, 29.

"You get a chance to travel in Nunavut and the NWT and you get hired," he said.

During the four weeks away from home, Heisinger learned to operate two different types of dozers, a front-end loader and two different types of air brakes.

When he returns home, he has a number of places to seek work, with the local Hamlet, the contractor preparing to clean-up a nearby DEW-line site, or with either BHP or Lupin Mine. Formerly a labourer at Diavik Mine, Heisinger said his new skills have opened up new opportunities. "It was excellent."

Cambridge Bay resident Gary Tiktalek was also pleased with the course. His goal he said was to start sending out resumes.

"I'm going to try to find a job."

Three times successful

The most recent batch of graduates brings the total number of Kitikmeot residents trained in heavy equipment operation to 33.

Three courses have been offered to date and the majority of students are employed or have job offers.

The courses have been put together by Kitikmeot Employment Training Partners (KETP) and sponsored by the Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission.

The most recent course cost about $217,000, not counting about $100,000 worth of contributions and in-kind donations.

Kitikmeot Corporation president Charlie Lyall said it's money well spent.

"The future is bright for you guys," said Lyall, during the graduation.

Lyall was the driving force behind KETP. He believed Kitikmeot residents needed an organization that would seek out training initiatives and help restore their self-worth while giving them the tools they needed to fill the growing number of jobs in the region.

"There's all kinds of opportunity here. You have to take advantage of that. The whole country is busy, otherwise none of us would be here right now," said Brian Harbin, who taught the course.

Harbin and Herb Blamire have taught all three courses.

The pair like travelling to the Arctic to train Nunavummiut and are resolute in their efforts to build the local workforce.

"Success starts with attitude," Blamire told the graduates. "There's no place but uphill from here."

Blamire also commended local businesses and organizations for financially supporting the successful training initiatives, particularly in light of the extremely high number of working graduates.

"The community is putting their money where there mouth is."

Also present for the graduation, Cambridge Bay Mayor Keith Peterson said the course showed that offering training closer to home worked.

"Community-based training works," he said.

Training success