Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (June 17/05) - The knowledge a graduate acquires usually isn't outwardly visible, but it was on full display at the Papal site on June 13.

Grads from the construction trades access and introduction to welding program had some of their projects on exhibit in the drum circle. There were miniature house frames built to scale, metal benches and a homemade barbecue.

Mayor Raymond Michaud, one of the guest speakers, complimented the grads on their handiwork.

"There's a whole lot of people here who would like to order the barbecue and have you build their houses," he said while standing before the crowd at the graduation ceremony.

Barb Tsetso, Aurora College's Deh Cho campus co-ordinator, also marvelled at the finished products.

"It's just amazing what they've learned to do in four months," said Tsetso.

Pre-welding student Brandon Buggins fashioned a pair of benches out of the old hand rails from the airport, steel plates from the former jail cells and some scrap wood. He used a cutting torch to inscribe his family members' names in the backing of the seats.

While he described his technique, youth Ivor Cli-Norwegian walked up, eyed the bench and told Buggins, "You're real good!"

Buggins said he is planning to pursue welding through a trades school in Alberta.

Rita Horassi, who completed the construction trades access course, said she's been inspired to attempt to build a deck at her house. She added that she's going to enrol in an electrician course in the fall of 2006.

Among the office administration grads, Janice Mandeville said she enjoyed the program and her time at a work placement with the Business Development Centre. She's not done yet, however.

"It's just a starting point for me," Mandeville said. "I wouldn't mind going into management studies, maybe get into financing."