ARVIAT
There are two more tradesmen in the Kivalliq after Greg Gibbons and Daniel (Aglukaq) Tartak completed their apprenticeship programs in Arviat earlier this month.

Greg Gibbons receives his housing maintenance journeyman's certificate in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Samantha Ussak

Gibbons received his housing maintenance services journeyman certificate after completing his three-year program with the Arviat Housing Association.

Tartak received his electrician's journeyman certificate after completing his four-year apprenticeship with Kakivak Construction, Baker Lake Contracting and Supplies, Ryfran Electric and Illnik Electric.

Family Services career development officer Samantha Ussak said her department thanks the companies that helped the two complete their training.

Ussak, who's been at her job for a year now, said once a student passes their trades entrance exam, her department can enter them into an apprenticeship contract with an employer.

She said an application for apprenticeship is sent to the apprenticeship unit in Iqaluit, which completes the contract for either three or four years, depending on the trade being learned.

"The apprenticeship program is a great opportunity, especially for young people, to enter a trade and begin a rewarding career," said Ussak.

"Most of the time you don't have to leave your community because that's where the on-the-job training is conducted.

"You go for technical training once a year for eight weeks, which takes place in Iqaluit for carpentry and Rankin Inlet or Alberta for the rest of the trades.

"We have 17 more apprentices in Arviat right now, and the success rate with the program is very good."

Ussak said some students still don't realize what a tremendous opportunity is right in front of them through the trades.

She said learning about the programs available can be the first step to a very good career.

"Anyone wanting further information regarding an apprenticeship can contact the career development officer in their community.

"The opportunity is there, you just have to want to make it happen."

Tartak, 24, said he's been interested in becoming an electrician since high school.

He said his apprenticeship training actually came pretty easy to him.

"The only hard part for me was being away from my family for a few months," said Tartak.

"I went to Grand Prairie, (Alta.), for my technical training in my first year, Rankin in my second, and back to Grand Prairie for my third and fourth years.

"There were times I found getting around the city harder than the course material."

Tartak completed his primary education in Nunavut.

He said the education he received had him well-prepared for his training.

"Right now, I'm going to continue plugging away at work with Illnik Electric in Arviat, and try for my red seal somewhere down the road.

"I'd encourage more students to seriously consider the trades when they graduate high school.

"There's a lot of year-round work available and it's only going to get busier.

"The pay is good and the work is different and interesting everywhere you go."

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