The BladeRunner service is documented as one of the most successful projects to leverage employment barried youth into the economy and to assist them in developing a long term attachment to the labor market.

 

NYSA currently operates projects in partnership with local organizations (Friendship Centers and First Nations Chief and Council in (Ladysmith, the Comox Valley, Powell River, Sechelt, Kamloops and Prince Rupert BC).

 

Purposes: BladeRunners - helps “youth at greater risk than others of not making a successful transition to the workplace and establishing themselves within the labour market.” They have been identified as facing multiple barriers to employment that are overcome by acquisition of appropriate employment related skills, applied work experience and access to other relevant information required to make a successful transition into the workplace.

 

Priority youth are vulnerable youth 15 to 30 years who are challenged by one or more of the following eligibility criteria and risk factors; High School non-completion, disability, Aboriginal ancestry, health, drug and or alcohol related problems, residence in rural or remote location, lone (single) parent, visible or ethnic minorities, Low levels of literacy / numeracy, Language barriers, Street involvement, Contact with the justice, child welfare or social assistance program, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, lack of social supports: family, friends, community, poor self-management and/or behavioural management abilities, and other reasons reflected in the literature.

 

Life skills curriculum, health and nutrition awareness, alcohol and drug education, employment readiness skills certification training, resume writing, interviewing skills, job development, job coaching, and wage subsidy program. Work experience and training and operates in a variety of industry sectors through work experience in a variety of work settings.

 

Bladerunners information and Programs can be accessed here Federal BladeRunners  and here  Provincial BladeRunners or from Program Descriptions in our main menu.