Nunavut opens long-awaited trades school

The Nunavut Trades Training Centre in Rankin Inlet opened its doors to Nunavut Arctic College trades students in September but a ceremony to mark its opening was held just this week. (PHOTO COURTESY NAC)

Nunavut’s first trades training centre is now open for business.

Nunavut Arctic College staff and students and local leaders gathered in Rankin Inlet Nov.16 to inaugurate the college’s new Nunavut Trades Training Centre.

The $23 million facility was built to support a made-in-Nunavut supply of trades people to be employed in local communities and mining operations.

Daniel Shewchuk, the minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, called the facility “a learning environment reflective of Inuit societal values.”

The 20,000 square foot space can accommodate more than 100 students between its classrooms, computer lab, four furnished workshop labs, lounges and resources library.

The Nunavut Trades Training Centre currently offers programs for pre-apprenticeship electricians, oil burner mechanics, plumbing, and trades access programs.

There are 33 students now enrolled in programs at the centre, with a capacity to accommodate 88 more.

The trades centre will host a mine industry access program in 2011, which is expected to help direct Kivalliq residents into the regional mining industry.

“This is a first class facility that can be expanded on,” said Kevin Bussey, head of the Kivalliq Mine Society. “We’re delighted to have it here in our community.”

The building was designed by Yellowknife’s FSC Architects and Engineers, who also designed the Piqqusilirivik Inuit Cultural Learning Facility in Clyde River.