QAMANITUAQ/BAKER LAKE
Students at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker Lake got to try a few possible career choices on for size this past week.
Lisa Parker seizes the opportunity to peek into the ears of her friend, Mahassie Nateela, at the health centre booth of Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School's career fair in Baker Lake this past week. - photo courtesy Chris Snow
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The school, in partnership with Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM), organized a career fair on April 17 and 18 in the high school gym for students and the general public.
The business community responded well to the fair, with 15 booths set up to capture student interest, answer questions, and provide information related to educational requirements, training and career opportunities in their field.
The presenters included AEM, the RCMP, First Air, Calm Air, Baker Lake Construction and Supply, Arctic Fuel, Peter's Expediting, Nunavut Arctic College, Department of Environment, North West Company, Qulliq Energy Corp., Baker Lake Health Centre, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Qamanittuaq Sana and a hairstylist.
School vice-principal Chris Snow said visitors to the fair were provided with a career-exploration activity.
He said participants could answer the questions by visiting each booth, with those completing the activity being entered into a draw for prizes such as Calm Air and First Air tickets, tools and tool boxes, and three iPod Touch devices.
"The questions were designed to have participants explore various career opportunities," said Snow.
"We also had student representatives from Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet and John Arnalukjuak School in Arviat participate in the fair and go on a tour of Meadowbank mine.
"AEM and the Department of Education are interested in hosting similar events in those communities in the near future.
"The goal is to increase workforce skill throughout the region."
Snow said students had the chance to get hands on with AEM's fire extinguisher simulator, and took a ride in an Arctic Fuels 18-wheeler.
He said the fair promoted the importance of staying in school and earning a Grade 12 diploma.
"Our students often wonder what they'll do after graduation, and this opportunity provided them with a lot of information to help with their career choices.
"We hope the career fair can continue as an annual event because of its significant potential to motivate our youth to stay in school and plan for their career."
Jonah Amitnaaq is continuing its focus on career planning this week with pre-trade classes for academic credit.
Snow said the program is also in partnership with AEM's Meadowbank mine, and is aimed at senior high students.
He said the career fair was the first of its kind at the school, while the pre-trades program is in its second year.
"All our students in grades 10 through 12 are taking part in the pre-trades program, Trades Awareness Skills and Knowledge (TASK) week.
"We have kids earning credit in introductory courses in everything from mechanics to hairdressing.
"Both TASK and the career fair are well-received by the students, so it's an exciting time here at the school."
