With kids back in school this month, the emphasis on learning has returned to academics. The last summer, however, was a productive one for young people who wanted to gain experience in the trades in Nunavut. 

Skills Nunavut Summer Junior Apprentice Program ran as a pilot program for ten summer students aged 13 to 17 for a total of five weeks from July 15- August 16, 2024 in partnership with Qikiqtani Industry Limited (QIL) and the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC).

"By the generosity of our funders," said Natalie Maerzluft, program coordinator for Skills Nunavut, "this was a paid position for the entirety of the five weeks. This was a partnered and sponsored based program. Funding was provided by Annauma Community Foundation, instruction provided by QIl/QC,  with a heavy material sponsorship from Tom Fitzgerald Construction, and additional partners like NCC, RBC Foundation, GN, etc. 

These junior apprentices got experience from various professionals and trades people while they worked on a variety of project start to finish. Students got a tour of an active worksite, they unboxed and put together brand new tools, and learn various math skills related to the projects they built."

Throughout the summer, students were provided with certifications in important work-related courses in first aid, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission's (WSCC) Young Workers program. Students also received a tour of an active worksite from the Nunavut Construction Commission (NCC),  as well as exposure to a typical day of plumbing work from the plumbers at Nunavut's Department of Community and Government Services (CGS), after which the group then built six picnic tables under the guidance of two carpenters from NCC. This year's program took place in Iqaluit, but Skills Nunavut is hoping to expand to other communities next summer.