SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - "You know, this is the furthest North I've ever been and I kind of like it. I'm gonna get on a dog sled later, want to come with me?"

Contractor Mike Holmes, the star of the popular TV show Holmes on Homes, spoke to a gymnasium full of Grade 9 to 12 students Thursday. He told them to pick a career they love and do it well. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

That was the question contractor Mike Holmes asked the packed St. Patrick High School gymnasium Thursday morning, eliciting screams and cheers from the enthusiastic high school students from St. Pat's and Sir John Franklin High School.

Holmes, the star of the popular TV show Holmes on Homes, was at the school to speak to students about the trades, the environment and choosing the right career.

While pacing back and forth across the stage, he asked if any students were thinking about pursuing a career in the trades.

When a few hands went up, he addressed a young woman who said she wanted to become a welder, "I love that," he said. "The fix-it chicks.

"I hope you become the best welder out there."

He encouraged the students, both male and female, to pick a career they love, not a career they think will make them rich.

"If you do something you like to do, you'll do it well," he said, pointing out that if you do it well, the money will follow.

"I love my job. I really do. I love building. I love designing. I love turning something into gold, and I think it's what I'm supposed to do."

Holmes said he didn't want to be on TV, he was just sick of seeing reality TV shows that teach people how to flip homes on the cheap.

"I'm not a TV guy. I'm a contractor," he said, adding that being on TV isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

"You can't fart in public," he said with a laugh, "because everyone knows who you are."

Holmes told the crowd that when he was a kid he didn't know what he wanted to be, but he knew he had to love what he did.

When question period started, students hesitantly approached the microphone, many to express their appreciation for him, his show and his work.

"I just want to let you know, I love you," said Grade 10 student Morghan Colborne.

"I love you, too," responded Holmes, who then brought out a magazine, which he autographed for his blushing fan.

Other students asked how to prioritize their time and whether further education is worth pursuing.

Holmes told the students to learn as much as they can, about as much as they can, so there are more options for them in the future.

After his visit to the school, he gave a speech at the Construction North of 60 Conference titled, "Make it Right."

During his talk, Holmes addressed solutions to building challenges, sustainable building and product information.

He rounded out the day by presenting awards with Jackson Lafferty, minister of Education, Culture and Employment, to apprentices from the North Slave region who achieved the highest mark in their respective levels of technical training in 2009-2010.

There are more than 400 registered apprentices across the NWT. Of them, 41 achieved top marks and 68 made the honour roll.

"These individuals are role models and represent the future of the Northwest Territories," said Lafferty in a press release. "Developing and supporting opportunities for apprentices and trainees is key to meeting the needs of all industries in our territory."

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