15 Years and $14-Million Builds More Choice for At-Risk Youth
VANCOUVER – BladeRunners, the award-winning program for at-risk youth will mark their 15th anniversary by doubling the number of training spaces to over 600, expanding services in communities, and improving access to certificate programs and other enhanced skills, announced George Abbott, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation on behalf of Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.
“BladeRunners has made a significant difference in the lives of young British Columbians and I am pleased to announce that with this expansion of $14 million in new funding over five years, even more youth can benefit from the program,” said Abbott. “Half of Aboriginal British Columbians are under the age of 28. They are a young and motivated workforce. BladeRunners provides them with the skills and support they need to succeed.”
BladeRunners is an employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 gain the skills they need to take control over their futures and develop career opportunities. The program has a very high success rate with about three out of every four candidates completing training and gaining employment. Through new funding, training spaces will double to approximately 600 participants each year, and new training options in areas such as child care, health services and multi-media production will encourage more youth to enter the program.
“Programs like BladeRunners are there to ensure that everyone, including at-risk youth, can develop the skills they need to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “This is a great example of how, through our Labour Market Agreement with British Columbia, we are supporting Canadians, ensuring that they are job-ready and helping them get on the pathway to a successful career.”
“BladeRunners has made an important difference in the lives of over 3,000 B.C. youth, offering around-the-clock support and empowering them with the skills they need to succeed,” said Stilwell. “Our partnerships with the construction sector, First Nations, labour and other organizations have helped to create a program that works, with motivated, committed and skilled graduates that employers really want.”
“I started at BladeRunners in 1996, and BladeRunners helped guide me into an exciting career in the industry. Today I’m a project manager for Vanbots Construction,” said program graduate Eric Thistlethwaite. “Today’s announcement just goes to show with the right opportunity and support a young person who may have not been traveling down a bright path can make positive changes to their lives and for their family. Thanks BladeRunners and happy 15th.”
“Eltex Enterprises has had the privilege of working and hiring BladeRunners for 13 years,” noted foreman Mark Dowhaniuk. “The youth have all have shown a keen interest in becoming career trades people, and we will continue to hire BladeRunners due to their commitment to exceed and better themselves and their community.”
The province is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) manages service delivery for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. About two-thirds of all program participants are Aboriginal youth.
The B.C. government, working with academic, industry and other partners is enabling British Columbians to gain the skills needed to successfully participate in our provincial labour market, and respond positively to changing workplace demands.
Under the Labour Market Agreement, the Government of Canada is providing the Province approximately $66 million annually until 2013/14. Through a variety of programs, these funds will increase training for employed individuals who are low-skilled and require essential skills, or who require recognized credentials to reach their full potential in the current marketplace. They will also help increase access to training for unemployed individuals who are not currently Employment Insurance (EI) clients including but not limited to those who are underrepresented in the labour market.
BACKGROUNDER: BLADERUNNERS PROGRAM
BladeRunners was established in 1994 during the construction of GM Place in Vancouver, and it is this link that inspired the BladeRunners name. The program was created to provide disadvantaged ‘street-involved’ youth with an opportunity to gain skills in construction trades. Over the past few years, BladeRunners has averaged close to 300 trainees per year, with almost 90 per cent of participants successfully transitioning into full time employment.
Youth participants in BladeRunners have worked on over 100 construction projects, including major projects such as the Vancouver and Nanaimo convention centres, Canada Line, Dockside Green in Victoria, Woodward's, Nat Bailey Stadium and the Athletes Village in Whistler.
The BladeRunners model includes:
- Life skills such as work ethics, goal setting, communications skills, health, wellness, time, financial and anger management.
- Job readiness skills, which helps them to build their self-esteem and confidence.
- Certificate courses, such as WHMIS, Health and Safety / WCB Awareness, Confined Space Awareness, Ladders / Scaffold / Rigging Safety, Respirator Awareness, Fall Protection, and First Aid.
Other assistance available to participants include referrals to community agencies and affordable housing, as well as providing hot meals, bus tickets, incentive allowances, basic safety equipment and basic rain gear.
Key to the success of BladeRunners is the availability of ongoing supports for up to 18 months after graduation. Due to the success of the program, other jurisdictions have shown an interest in BladeRunners, and as a result Vancouver program managers have travelled to New Orleans to share the model. BladeRunners managers and youth participants recently completed their third trip to the area, meeting with key community service organizations and doing volunteer housing work.
BladeRunners is offered in the Vancouver Island communities of Chemainus, Courtenay, Comox, Duncan, Ladysmith Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Qualicum, Tofino, Ucluelet and Victoria, and the mainland communities of Chilliwack, Pemberton, Surrey, Vancouver and Whistler.
