INUVIK - Ray Croston was in Samuel Hearne last week to show students how to make a fruit tray suitable for a feast.

The visit was planned by career development officer Brigitte Kay, who was also responsible for bringing a doctor into the school last month.

Ray and Jane Croston are the owners of Akpik Catering, which manages the canteen at Aurora College and takes catering contracts in town. Ray was recently at Samuel Hearne to talk with the students about his career choice and what training was necessary. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"It's important for the students to know what is out there for career choices," said Kay.

"There was interest from some students that they wanted to learn more about the culinary arts."

The catering lesson in the classroom happened last week when Croston came into the home economics room with a box full of fruit.

"Stanton's donated the fruit, which the students used to learn about fruit tray arranging," said Kay.

Croston said the activity was a good way to give the students some hands-on experience, instead of just listening to a speech.

"The best way to learn is with your hands," he said.

Croston, who has been in Inuvik for the past 14 years, learned his trade in his homeland, England.

"I learned my skills in a hotel tourism school," he said.

"From there, I moved to Canada and have been cooking in many different places."

Croston worked in Toronto and Montreal before coming to Inuvik.

He said the students were eager and full of questions about his profession and how he got his start.

"I showed them a few of my good knives, so they could see some of the tools I use," said Croston.

The caterer, who is based out of the Aurora College canteen, said the experience was good and he supports the career program at the school.

"I think it's a great idea to bring these career choices to the youth, especially aged from 15 and 16," said Croston.

"Those are the years where a lot of decisions are made."