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Flynn helps students dabble

Instructor covers many things

Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 16/01) - Neil Flynn's job covers a lot of territory.

As trades instructor at the Inuvik campus of Aurora College, Flynn -- depending on the circumstances -- may teach a number of things, such as construction, plumbing, electrical, welding and small engines.

He worked for the college last year, but assumed his current post this fall.

"They decided they wanted to try and reestablish some kind of trades program," Flynn said.

He explained students sign on for one-week long modules, so as to encourage people to dabble in trades.

"They can get an idea of what it involves, and if it's something they don't enjoy, then maybe they can look at something else. So we're trying to give them as wide a range of possibilities as possible."

Some work is done in the classroom, but not much.

"I'm trying to stay away from baffling people with theory. If they get more hands on experience then that will tell them more about the trade than any bit of theory or school book," Flynn said.

"It's a lot of work. There's an amazing amount of work."

A trailer is being outfitted so that Flynn can go to and teach for a week at a time in Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson. He said it'll make it easier for people to sign up if the course is in their own backyard.

Flynn said that if everything's ready on time, this Mobile Industry and Training Program should begin Dec. 4.

Originally from Edmonton, Flynn is an electronics service technician, but enjoys the diversity of his current job. He followed his father's footsteps into carpentry and cabinetry, and said he enjoys tinkering in many fields.

"That's my biggest problem to overcome, is just focusing on one trade and just trying to excel at that. But I enjoy all of them so much."

This is Flynn's first time this far North, and he said he's enjoying the town.

He said soon he'll look for projects that his students could do in the communities.

"It would be better if we donated at least our time into a worthwhile project that will help support the community in some fashion."