KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR - In June, Grade 12 student Perry Akavak expects to graduate from Qaqqalik School in Kimmirut. For the last two summers he has been working as a carpenter building houses.

"I enjoy carpentry and building things," he said

Akavak said he is thinking about pursuing a career in carpentry, although he said he is not sure.

Getting students to think about what they would like to do as a career and presenting them with options for their futures was the goal of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce trade show, which came to the school on March 31. Various exhibitors, including representatives from the government, companies and organizations, were there to answer questions from students, their parents and members of the greater community.

Melodie Sammurtok was at the trade show representing Nunavut Parks. As manager of heritage appreciation, she helps to deliver programs promoting the parks in the territory. She said she enjoys coming to events such as the trade show.

"It gives me the opportunity to educate not only the students but also the community members about the parks," she said, adding she often educates the public on the difference between Nunavut Parks and Parks Canada. Nunavut Parks employs students in the summer, so Sammurtok was letting interested individuals know about that as well.

All students at the high school level went to the trade show and had questionnaires they had to complete by collecting information about careers and post-secondary education options.

Many students were gathered around the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium booth, talking to community liaison officer Qavavow Mikijuk.

He said the trade show is an opportunity to show young people what work is out there available for them.

"In the smaller settlements there is barely any work, and we go to these trade shows to show people what we offer," Mikijuk said.

One program Mikijuk and the consortium were promoting was an introductory fishing course. He said students would learn first aid and the basics of working on a boat.

After completing the course they would be eligible to take others on offer. Mikijuk said once students are armed with training they can go back to their communities and help support the local economy.

Grade 12 student Natasha Nakashuk finished her classes at the school in December and will graduate in June.

Even though she is done classes, Nakashuk is heavily involved and active within the school and the community. She volunteers at school activities and was working as a teacher's helper with the Grade 3 and 4 students. She said the trade show was helpful.

Nakashuk has already applied to Nunavut Arctic College in Rankin Inlet to take the college foundation program, which prepares students for further studies in college or university.

"I am excited and nervous," Nakashuk said about going to her next school. By furthering her education, she said she will be able to get a good job and that it will open many doors for her in the future.