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RANKIN INLET
Youth in Rankin Inlet had a chance to take a glimpse at what their future may hold this past week.

Jaclyn Pissuk displays one of the flashlights available to be won at the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. table as her cousin, Jennica Pissuk, fills out an entry form for the draw at the Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik Career Fair in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Junior and senior students at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) were able to interact with a number of representatives from different educational and occupational streams as the school hosted its annual career fair.

Among the presenters were members of numerous Government of Nunavut departments, the RCMP, airline industry, mining industry, Hamlet of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., trades training, consulting firms, Nunavut Sivuniksavut and Canada World Youth among others.

Grade 11 student Joshua Tartak left the fair clutching a number of information brochures on carpentry, housing maintenance and becoming an electrician.

He said he plans to head into the trades after he graduates high school and has, pretty much, narrowed his choices down to being a carpenter or an electrician.

"The fair was alright, but it didn't seem to have nearly as many presenters this year," said Tartak.

"These fairs are a real benefit because they show students job possibilities for when they're finished school."

Tartak said he's really happy there's trade school right in Rankin now.

He said he's looking forward to being able to learn a trade at home, and not have to travel south to attend school.

"The new trade school in Rankin makes a big difference for me looking ahead.

"I've always enjoyed working with my hands, I like working with wood and the pay in the trades these days is pretty good, too."

Special Const. Adrian Pilakapsi, who ran the RCMP booth at the fair, said he enjoys interacting with youth.

He said quite a few students stopped by to talk to him and showed a real interest in a career with the RCMP.

"There were a lot of questions coming at me all at once, so it was really nice having their attention like that," said Pilakapsi.

"They like to see a friend in the community as an RCMP officer and always ask what that feels like.

"I tell them it feels really, really good to be able to help out in your own community.

"When you need help, yourself, as a member, you can go to your supervisors or to the elders for advice community-wise."

Pilakapsi said there weren't any career fairs when he was attending school.

He said they have the potential to be a big help for students trying to figure out what career path to choose.

"There's all sorts of different job opportunities out there for these kids, and events like this can get them started in the right direction.

"I always wanted to be a cop when I was in school, but I didn't know how to join and I was always afraid to ask.

"I didn't hesitate for one second to take the opportunity, when I was approached and asked if I'd like to join.

"The kids are comfortable talking to you in an environment like this and, when they're relaxed, they ask more questions and get more information."

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