Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 22/02) - High school students tested the waters this week to see if a career in the diamond mining industry is one they would like to choose once their days in the classroom are over.

Students from both Sir John Franklin and St. Patrick high schools took in Diavik Day at the Explorer Hotel Wednesday.

Previously, Diavik Diamond Mines conducted PowerPoint presentations whenever they held information sessions for the public.

This year, explained Diavik manager of public and government affairs Tom Hoefer, the company chose to go with a more extensive trade show demonstration.

"We thought, since we're having a trade show, why not invite the high schools to see if there's any career opportunities, or at least see our approach," said Hoefer.

A major incentive for holding a trade show, added Hoefer, was to address the growing demand from industry to bring more skilled trade workers into the workforce.

"There's been a real shortage of trades in the country, and the NWT as well," said Hoefer. "In time, hopefully, we can fill them through attrition with Northerners."

There were 15 booths spread about the Explorer Hotel's expansive Katimavik Room, showcasing everything from kimberlite processing to marketing polished gems.

Most of the students were simply there to have a look, but a few came with class assignments in hand.

Ben Robertson, a Grade 12 student from Sir John, was working on a project for his math class. He was taking in a demonstration at the geology booth.

"I'm looking at how they use math, and what kind of education you need to get a job in the diamond industry," said Robertson.

Robertson said he was thinking about becoming an electrician after finishing high school, possibly within the mining industry.

One Northerner who did go work for Diavik after finishing university is April Desjarlais, the company's environmental co-ordinator.

She was showing students how a hydro lab works -- the sort used to test water quality outside of Diavik's silt curtain at Lac de Gras.

"It's made in Texas, so it doesn't work very well in cold water," laughed Desjarlais. "We have to use hot packs and hot water to keep it from freezing."