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Master of metal

Chris Windeyer
Northern News Services

Spence Bay (July 17/06) - Charlie Qayutinuak might not know exactly what he wants to do for a living yet, but a Yellowknife trades course might have given him a few ideas.

The 17-year-old Netsilik high school student was one of 15 Kitikmeot students to be part of a week-long workshop in Yellowknife earlier this month, where he got his first taste of the craft of welding and metal work.

"I enjoyed it a lot," Qayutinuak said. "It's a good job to work in."

Qayutinuak learned the finer points of moulding and how to use a plasma cutter, a tool for cutting metal that pushes gas through an electric arc, creating a super hot jet that cuts through metal like dental floss through butter.

Despite the powerful tools, Qayutinuak said the groups' projects, which included a set of stairs and a pencil box, were challenging.

"It was a little hard, but once you learn it gets a little easier," he said.

Qayutinuak isn't sure exactly what the future holds career wise, but he hopes to turn his welding experience into a job operating heavy equipment with either the hamlet or one of the mining companies that are exploring the region.

The trip was also a chance to take in the city life of Yellowknife.

He also got a chance to hit the beach and visit Cameron Falls, which was "awesome," he said.

Qayutinuak plans on spending as much of the rest of his summer as he can out camping on the land around Taloyoak, hunting, fishing and spending time with his girlfriend Ruth Ann Rose and her family.

The char fishing is especially good this year, Qayutinuak reports.