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Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
The students are part of the industrial arts alternate-learning program at the school.
Alternate learning is delivered in Arviat through the Department of Education and is now in its second year.
Qitiqliq High is the only Kivalliq school currently offering the program.
The students range in age from 14 to 20 and combine job experience with regular classroom work.
They spend every Thursday working with a local employer to gain valuable on-the-job training.
Assistant instructor Ed Rempel says the course has a lot of one-on-one instruction.
He says the program offers a viable alternative to students who, otherwise, may be in danger of falling through the educational cracks.
"Some students may be missing out on some of the better aspects of the education system for a variety of reasons," says Rempel.
"This program provides those students with the opportunity to get into the workforce, because some of them may not get through the school system as it is."
Rempel says every student involved in the alternate-learning program has done well, with room for work advancement.
He says all 10 students have employment lined up for this summer.
"This program is an excellent opportunity to implement these students into the employment field of business.
"I'm grateful to be working with these wonderful students and am confident the program is influencing their futures in a positive way."
Rempel says the community has firmly supported the students, with every local business being involved.
He says feedback from the companies has been almost entirely positive.
"We have a number of students who have already received part-time jobs with their employers, in addition to their regular day of job training through the program.
"The students' skill levels and overall self-esteem have improved.
"I'm looking forward to next year being even better."
