Yellowknife (Feb 06/04) - Paul Davies wouldn't recommend a career in aviation to everyone but this week the long evening hours of his chosen profession paid off.

Paul Davies shared the honour of being the top NWT graduating apprentice for his work at First Air, along with earning a spot on the apprenticeship honour roll. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

Davies, a 31-year-old aircraft maintenance engineer, stole the spotlight twice during the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Awards ceremony.

He shared the honour of being the top NWT graduating apprentice for his work at First Air, along with earning a spot on the apprenticeship honour roll.

Nearly 40 apprentices were honoured with awards at the Education, Culture and Employment-sponsored event to celebrate NWT Apprenticeship Week.

Events like the awards ceremony, held in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly, help open people's minds to job training possibilities, he said.

He advises young people to make sure the aircraft industry suits them before taking on an apprenticeship in the field.

"It's very difficult in the beginning," he said.

His 12-hour work days start at 4 p.m., often taking him away from his little girl. One benefit to having his wife in the industry -- she is a flight attendant -- is her understanding of the demands of his job, he said.

Aircraft mechanics work in all conditions, including outside in -40 C temperatures if necessary.

For Davies, working in those conditions lets him share some of the experiences of the pioneer mechanics of Northern aviation.

Regardless of the hardships, he recommends trades and technology to those exploring career options in the North.

"It's a great opportunity. No where else in Canada do they have as many benefits as we have up here," he said.

The ceremony at the Legislature placed dignitaries like Premier Joe Handley and MLA Sandy Lee alongside skilled plumbers and carpenters.