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RANKIN INLET - Hundreds of Rankin Inlet students had the chance to look at what different occupations have to offer this past week.

The students could visit about 20 booths set up for the first career fair held at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) in recent memory.

Kris Okpatauyak gets an information pamphlet from RCMP Const. Patrick McRorie during a career fair at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Among the participants were the RCMP, firefighters, health, outreach, continued education and private businesses representatives.

Vice-principal Kevin Bussey said the fair fit-in well with MUI's work experience program.

He said the community responded well to the staff's request for participation, especially since circumstances beyond their control led to relatively short notice.

"Most of the companies and agencies didn't have a lot of time to put their presentations together, but I was impressed with the way they responded," said Bussey.

"We had a really good cross-section of private enterprise, government agencies and local organizations at the event."

The morning was dedicated to junior high and students from grades four to six, while the afternoon was for senior students.

Bussey said the vast majority of the students who attended the fair were keen to learn about the various career choices represented.

He said the senior students, especially, were quite engaged with the presenters.

"I had an evaluation form I asked the presenters to fill out, and the high interest of the students was a general comment among the responses.

"The students seemed to be there to get information, not just get out of class, and I was impressed by that."

Bussey said it was important to involve the middle school students because many schools are moving their work experience back to Grade 7. He said you have to get students interested in trades and careers before they reach Grade 10.

"It's hard to start getting them interested if you wait until they're in senior high because there's so much else going on in their lives.

"If you introduce them at the junior high level, they have a tendency to start thinking ahead a bit more to life after grade school.

"The fair went well and we hope to build upon this year's effort and make it an annual event."