Training for jobs at Diavik would mean new arena floor
Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Kugluktuk (May 28/01) - It will cost $1.3 million, but a new training course could help cement a solid future for the Kitikmeot.
Kugluktuk manager of community development Alex Buchan hopes the federal and territorial governments will see the value of a course to train people in how to prepare and pour concrete.
The skills would be a great stepping-stone to employment at the Diavik Diamond Mine, Buchan said.
"There's an incredible amount of concreting that needs to be done and it's something that's happening right now. The opportunity is there," said Buchan.
Once employed at the site, Buchan said workers would get access to more training and long-term employment opportunities.
"They get out there ... work on their skills and get a job for the next 25 years during the production phase," he said.
Estimated to cost $1.3 million to train 12 people, Buchan said $300,000 for the 6-8 week program was already secured. The territorial and federal governments are expected to respond to funding requests this week. If successful, the next step would be to order materials on sealift and to screen applications from interested participants.
If the course is approved, the students would learn by pouring a concrete floor in the hamlet arena. that students would learn their skills by pouring a concrete floor at the local arena. That would eventually mean a longer ice season and would give the hamlet recreation coordinator access to the arena year round.
"Recreation is very important to people in this community. I think it's worthwhile," said Buchan.
