Another $1 million investment prepares second year of students to become Microsoft aces

In many small northern communities, when your computer breaks down you have to send it south because no one local is qualified to carry out repairs.

In Nunavik, the Kativik Regional Government and the Kativik School Board have teamed up to solve this frustrating state of affairs by offering a program that provides everything from basic to advanced training in computers.

The goal is to train youth in computer skills and, at the same time, meet the region's growing need for computer-savvy workers.

For the second year in a row, the KRG is investing nearly $1 million in the program, which is already showing results.

This month, five young Nunavimmiut will take an exam qualifying them as Microsoft repair agents. A second batch of five plan to take a similar exam in September.

They want an A Plus certification, which means they have knowledge in many areas of Microsoft Windows-based personal computers, can troubleshoot problems and fix them.

Last year, 29 Nunavimmiut took troubleshooting and repair courses under two instructors, computer pro Thomassie Mangiok from Ivujivik, who is partner in the Pirnoma Technologies graphic design company, and Gilles Beliveau, who has taught computer skills for KSB for eight years.

Both instructors visit communities throughout the region to recruit, screen and interview potential students, who are then invited to take either the basic, intermediate or advanced training.

During the first week of the 10-day introductory course in troubleshooting and repair, Mangiok and Beliveau focus on teaching computer repairs basics. During the second week, they help students with troubleshooting on computers brought in by local residents.

Their classes are often split into two groups, with Beliveau teaching in English and French, and fluently trilingual Mangiok mainly in Inuttitut.

In 2007-8, Mangiok and Beliveau offered four introductory troubleshooting and repair courses as well as two more advanced courses.

A third advanced training course for prospective repair agents held this past May in Kangiqsualujjuaq brought in a Microsoft instructor for a week of specialized instruction.

Mangiok and Beliveau hope many of their students will be able to find jobs with local organizations or with the region's Tamaani internet service.

The program has already led to four part-time jobs for advanced students who co-train students in the basic computer courses and assist in the advanced courses.

This year, they hope to recruit more students by bringing their advanced students to communities where they will hone their skills by repairing computers and speak to youth about careers in computer repair.

Studies show there's a need to train at least 35 more computer technicians in Nunavik.

Mangiok said he's proud of his students who show that this goal lies within reach.

Mangiok, 25, who studied graphic design and computers at Collège Marie-Victorin college in Montreal, also plans to take his A Plus certification exam this fall.

Nunavimmiut interested in attending the courses should contract their local employment agents for more information.