Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 05/02) - As Inuvik grows, so -- hopefully -- does the workforce. The homes and businesses are springing up all over and more and more, there is a demand for skilled trades people.

Tyler Bain is just beginning his career in the trades. The 20-year-old started with Weitzel Construction last May and has been doing a wide variety of duties and general labour for the company.

He hopes to take the opportunity to start an apprenticeship with Weitzel's.

After working general labour since he left school three years ago, Bain said he enjoys the rewards construction offers.

"I came back from working seismic and called around looking for a job," he said. "They told me to come down and I started right away."

The company has given him a chance to try out the various trades, but he feels like he's found a niche.

Pursuing apprenticeship

"I do a little bit of everything," he said. "What ever they've got, from electrical, to plumbing to carpentry."

Of all the trades, he likes carpentry the best and plans on pursuing an apprenticeship in the trade.

"We were just talking about an apprenticeship not too long ago," Bain said. "I have to write my test and then go down to Fort Smith for eight weeks of school."

The apprenticeship lasts four years and combines mostly on-the-job training with six to eight weeks of school each year.

He said he enjoys the feeling of satisfaction that comes with construction.

"I just like putting stuff together," he laughs.

He begins his day at 8 a.m. and finds out what needs to be done before heading out to the job site.

"We're really busy right now, building houses and doing renovations," Bain said.

The day can mean anything from site clean-up or painting, to electrical and plumbing. He appreciates gaining a little from each of the tradespeople on the job.

Bain usually ends his day "about 7 or 8," depending on the workload. In the summer, they work longer days to take advantage of the sunshine.

Before working seismic and for Weitzel's he worked as a labourer at BHP but plans to stick with the construction company.

"BHP called me back, but I was already working here, so I thought I'd stick it out," he said.