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RADILIH KOE/FORT GOOD HOPE
Gordon Mackeinzo believes in the power of motivation.

As Fort Good Hope's human resources and employment officer, Mackeinzo works to bring training programs into the community.

Gordon Mackeinzo is the human resources and employment officer for the community of Fort Good Hope. - photo courtesy of Lael Kronick

"It's very important to try to get these young people determined and to get into these courses so they can move ahead," he said.

Mackeinzo was hired in May and has been bringing in instructors to teach air brake courses and provide Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System training. Courses have also included transportation of dangerous goods training, first aid and CPR.

Mackeinzo said he wants community members to be prepared for the oil and gas boom anticipated for the Sahtu region. Knowing it's cheaper to bring instructors into the community than to send students out, Mackeinzo decided to do just that.

"From past experience, when you send people out, we don't have the necessary funding to send a lot of people out," he said. "When I got in, I put in proposals to get the instructors into the community to maximize our dollars and get people trained that way."

Educating and having residents certified to drive large vehicles is also beneficial to the community itself, Mackeinzo said.

Residents with a Class 3 can go on to get an air brakes endorsement on their licences, which allows them to drive the community's water trucks and other municipal vehicles.

"It's very important just to get them motivated, to give them something that will give them the go-ahead to acquire future employment," Mackeinzo said.

Mackeinzo said there are many youth in the community who don't have their Class 7 licence, which is the first step toward further licensing. Mackeinzo said helping residents get this learner's permit can inspire them to participate in other training opportunities.

"There are graduates who are roaming our streets with no goal in mind," he said. "I'm trying to set up safety training, Class 7 training, to get people motivated to go back to school."

Mackeinzo said he is also the community's unofficial career counsellor and said he wants to encourage people to do their best - even if it takes a few attempts.

"I would tell them, don't give up, even if it's hard," he said.

"As long as you try, you're not a failure. The only time you fail is when you quit.

"If you don't pass, at least you tried, so next time try harder."

Mackeinzo said training doesn't just apply to his fellow community members. He also participates in training programs as well as learning as he performs the duties of his job.

"My training was acquired by myself through years of experience working different jobs and employment opportunities," he said.

"I'm going out for training when there is training available for me.

"I am training on the job."

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