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PAULATUK
By the time Dustin Gordon-Ruben goes to college this fall, he'll already have the organizational skills he needs to help him succeed, thanks to his summer job.

Dustin Gordon-Ruben is Paulatuk's assistant employment officer. He is one of four youth working for the hamlet as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program. - photo courtesy of Gilbert Thrasher Jr.

"It's about time management," he said. "Making sure I can allocate time to get things done properly."

Gordon-Ruben is Paulatuk's assistant employment officer. He is one of four youth working for the hamlet as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation fund the program, which has been operating in Paulatuk for the past 13 years, said Gilbert Thrasher Jr., the community's employment officer.

Youth work for eight weeks over the summer in either the hamlet office or hamlet garage.

Thrasher said the program has proven worthwhile for both youth and the community.

"It's been a very beneficial program to our community and our hamlet as well," he said. "They do a lot of work with people in the community."

Working with community members is Gordon-Ruben's favourite part of the job. He assists clients with birth certificate and Social Insurance Number application forms and participates in meetings to develop employment opportunities. He is also helping to implement the Paulatuk community development plan.

"I like helping those who need help with anything related to employment," he said. "It's something I enjoy."

His dedication is paying off, said Thrasher. He said Gordon-Ruben's performance has been "exceptional."

"His office work is very good," he said. "He's a big asset to my office."

Gordon-Ruben's positive attitude is a benefit as well, Thrasher added.

"He's a young person that looks forward to coming to work," he said.

Thrasher said the program allows youth to try out areas of employment, which will then, hopefully, help them decide a career path.

"The reason why we have it is to let the youth gain experience in the workforce. They can see if they like the job and maybe they might be able to pursue it at college," he said.

While Gordon-Ruben plans to take a welding program at Aurora College in Inuvik in the fall, he said his job has opened his eyes to career opportunities.

"I could see myself doing this later on, but my immediate goal is I'm going to college this coming semester," he said.

No matter what the future holds, Gordon-Ruben said he recognizes the value of the skills he's learning now.

"I know I'm going to need this in college," he said.

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