"We're not looking for an elaborate building. It'll probably be a prefabricated steel building," said Alan Woytuik.

He was referring to the $1.8 million Career and Technology Centre Yellowknife Catholic Schools is planning on developing. Woytuik, who is project manager, said construction is targeted for a summer start and plans are moving forward quickly.

"We're hoping to fast-track it," said Woytuik.

The recent acquisition of the old driver training building from the GNWT has helped to move plans ahead.

Since the September announcement that YCS would be moving forward on the centre, the project has evolved from its original form.

The budget has been expanded from $1.45 million to $1.8 million. The first million has been committed by YCS and the remaining $800,000 will be garnered from various partnerships.

One partner YCS is hoping to have on the project is Yellowknife Education District No. 1.

"If we're going to build a facility let's maximize the services," said Woytuik.

A partnership with Yellowknife No. 1, according to Woytuik, would prevent the duplication of services.

"Why have two wood shops or two welding shops, when we can have one?" he asked.

Woytuik said that other partnerships with the GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment and various industry partners are also being developed.

Moving out of the design stage of the project and into the implementation stage YCS is seeking public information.

Part of achieving that goal includes a store front location at YK Centre, which will be set up until Feb. 7.

The location provides information on what YCS is planning and allows for the public to provide input.

There will also be a public forum on Feb. 13 at the YCS central office beginning at 7 p.m.. The forum will feature presentations from industry and educational agencies as well as YCS board members and administration. The public is also invited to share its thoughts that night.

From Feb. 17 to 19 a team from YCS, the GNWT and Skills Canada will be heading down to Edmonton and then over to Abbotsford, B.C. The group of six will tour career and technology facilities already established in those areas.

Once developed, the centre will provide skills training and awareness to students.

"The reality is only 20 per cent of students go onto post-secondary. Eighty per cent go into trades or other service sector-type jobs," said Woytuik. "A lot of people have the idea you can have Grade 10 and get into a trade. That's not the case anymore, you need Grade 12."