Inuvik (Feb 18/05) - Responding to industry demands, Aurora College has begun to equip locals with the practical tools they need to succeed in the trades. Aurora Campus officials are pleased with the small engine troubleshooting and repair course recently put on in Inuvik.

Neil Flynn, trades access instructor, taught the course in the trades shop Jan. 24-28.

"The students successfully repaired several pieces of ARI equipment and learned the basics of engine operations," he said.

"We also did preventive maintenance on snow machines, outboards and chainsaws."

According to Flynn, students seemed to enjoy the course and were, for the most part, quite willing to do the homework and theory.

"I found the students very competent at most tasks and they demonstrated a lot of initiative."

Rory Voudrach, industrial and oil and gas training co-ordinator with the college, agreed the course was very successful and student evaluations were positive.

Voudrach went on to explain that the college provided the course in response to requests from industry.

"This course was highly recommended by local contractors," he said. "And we will be looking to deliver more of these courses in the future in Inuvik, as well as some of the other communities we serve."

These courses have been made possible by support from the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in as well as the departments of the territorial government, including Education, Culture and Employment and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

Just as important to the college are the contractors in the community, added Voudrach.

The college would like to enhance these local industry partnerships as it needs contractors to buy into more extensive programs, such as Intro to Heavy Equipment and Class 1 Drivers courses, "so that program costs are affordable, thus maximizing training dollars."

"This will further allow participants the opportunity to experience real work conditions, increasing their employability."