Construction is underway for three new three-bedroom duplexes in Rankin Inlet, built by 16 Nunavut Arctic College trades students as part of a pilot project. The students are gaining hands-on experience in framing, sanding, and hammering, with the project expected to be completed by summer 2025 when they graduate. This initiative is a collaboration between Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Housing Corp., and Manitoba-based Pewapun Construction, which provided $3 million in materials and support.
The duplexes, designed by former students, are intended for students with small families and will feature three bedrooms, two porches, a study room, and an open layout. The project not only provides practical experience but also aims to keep more economic benefits within Nunavut by training local Inuit workers. The students work about 40 hours a week and are paid for any overtime, receiving essential tools, safety equipment, and a laptop, all of which they keep after graduation.
In addition to on-site work, students also take indoor courses in subjects like math, science, and English. The college hopes to equip them for employment both within Nunavut and across Canada, though it encourages them to stay in the territory.
Read the full story on Nunatsiaq News: