COPPERMINE - If you ask Angella Kuliktana and Myles Pederson why they joined the pre-trades program at Kugluktuk high school, you'll get the same answer from both of them.

Barbara Kapakatoak works a saw while visiting the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. The students raised their own money to visit the trade school, and are considering a future in the trades. - photo courtesy of Lee Olson

They want to work with their hands.

"It's hands on," said Pederson, 16. "Regular classes were easier, but there is more to do with this,"

"It is so much fun to be working with my hands," said Kuliktana, also 16.

Pre-trades have been offered at the school for two years as part of a pilot project by the department of Education. While the school has been teaching the program, the department hasn't funded it. All the money comes from Kugluktuk.

"Getting funding is difficult, and shop programs are expensive," said Lee Olson, the teacher running the pilot project. "We fundraise, we build small cabins and sell them at just below cost, and that helps us raise money for the program."

Kids work 125 hours per school year at a local business, putting their trade into practise.

Pederson sees a future for himself as an automotive mechanic.

"I already know everything there is to know about small engine repair," said Pederson. "I have an uncle and brother who taught me everything. There is only one automotive mechanic in town, and I'd like to open my own shop."

"I'd like to do heavy equipment technology when I'm older, it is so much fun," said Kuliktana.

Both students travelled to Edmonton as a part of the pre-trades program, with plane tickets courtesy of First Air.

They visited the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Alberta to get a better sense of what they could do when done pre-trades.

"It was awesome," said Pederson. "I got to try welding for the first time. The automotive shop, that place was awesome, it is huge."

Kids in pre-trade show up for school and work, and Olson thinks that is a big selling point for the program.

"Their attendance goes up, and none of them have dropped out," said Olson.

"I come to school every day, that is what is important in my life," said Kuliktana.

There are eight students in each grade of the pre-trades program, and next year, the first of the pilot project's students graduate.

"Officially it ends next year, but we will continue as long as we can," said Olson.

Kuliktana would like to see pre-trades expanded to every school in Nunavut.

"It is a great opportunity for the kids in every community," said Kuliktana. "Kids could learn a lot. Plus, I could make good money."