Seal of approval for tradesman
Rankin has trade school's first journeyman oil-burner mechanic
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, April 2, 2014
RANKIN INLET
Aaron Pilakapsi travelled a long and sometimes lonely path to become the first journeyman oil-burner mechanic to graduate from the Nunavut Sanatuliqsarvik Trades Training Centre in Rankin Inlet this past month.
Aaron Pilakapsi of Rankin Inlet is proud to become the first journeyman oil burner mechanic to graduate from the Sanatuliqsarvik Nunavut Trades Training Centre in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy Dorothy Tootoo |
He wrote and passed his provincial exam the following day to earn his red seal certification, which is recognized nationwide.
Pilakapsi, 39, was born in Churchill and raised in Rankin.
He began his career path in 1998; a journey that would take him to Edmundston, New Brunswick, for three years of training and Fort Smith for another, before completing his tradesman's paper chase this past month.
Pilakapsi said his years in New Brunswick were challenging.
He said being away from home was often difficult, but he was determined to see it through.
"I missed being away from Nunavut, and, during those years, my children were practically newborns," said Pilakapsi.
"That was really the hard part. When I finished my final year in Rankin, I went for my red seal the very next day.
"Once I finished the provincial exam, it was a great feeling to finally have it done."
Pilakapsi has been a casual employee for the Government of Nunavut for the past eight years.
He said he's still waiting to see if that turns into a full-time position.
"It's still too early to tell right now, I guess. We'll see what happens afterwards in life.
"Right now, there's really nowhere else in Canada I can see myself working. But I haven't really gone that far with my thinking - yet."
Pilakapsi said he stayed focused during his years of training.
He said while he liked going to school, he owes a great deal to his wife, Corinne, for always supporting his efforts.
"Her support, and that of friends and family, is really what kept me going.
"Completing your courses takes time, but you'll get there eventually if you stay focused on your schooling.
"There's lot of job openings out in the fields now.
"I would encourage more young people to consider going for an apprenticeship in the trades right away, once they finish their high school."
