LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson youth took the top three positions during a regional Skills Canada NWT computer design competition last week in Hay River.

William Alger of Fort Simpson works on his design project during a regional Skills Canada competition in Hay River held last week. - photo courtesy Skills Canada NWT

William Alger, a Grade 11 student from the village who took part in the graphic design competition Feb. 26 said he left with new connections and aware of more opportunities for work and education.

"I met new friends, the event was well-organized," he said.

It was his second year attending the regional skill competition and he hopes to attend again next year.

The event brought 25 youth from the South Slave, Deh Cho and Tlicho regions to the town to test their skills in categories that included graphic design, photography, welding, baking, cooking and hairstyling.

It's meant to show students potential careers and to test their skills that would be used in those professions.

Four youth from Fort Simpson took part in the graphic design contest.

Lia Fabre Dimsdale took first place, Alger took second and Rebekah Isaiah took third.

Using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, the competition had participants design packaging for a food brand to sell dry food to a hiker.

Alger said a teacher at Thomas Simpson School had taught them how to use the programs after school.

"It's actually pretty good," he said about the design competition. "It helps us a lot. It helps us open our minds and be imaginative."

The one-day event also included a career expo featuring various employers.

Alger said he was impressed with the grader machine simulator that Rowe's Construction had brought.

He plans to go to the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning before potentially heading outside the territory for post-secondary education at the University of Victoria or University of Alberta.

Jan Fullerton, executive director of Skills Canada NWT, said regional competitions began four years ago to allow more people from smaller communities to attend.

That cuts down on travel distances.

"It gives more people the chance to compete," she said.

This is the second year the South Slave regionals have been held in Hay River. Previously, it was held in Fort Smith.

Fullerton said attendance has gone up since the switch.

As well, holding a regional event before the territorials makes it easier for the students to go up against people of a similar skill level as students based in large centres have more learning resources available.

Alger said he's excited to head to Yellowknife for the territorial competition on April 21.

"I recommend for the younger generation to actually get into this," Alger said.

That's what Fullerton said she wants to hear.

She's happy to see that the regional competitions have been growing in popularity among students and she hopes they keep expanding.

For the $25 entry fee, which Fullerton said is mostly to ensure people confirm attendance, the students get a meal, T-shirt and travel to the venue.