BladeRunners Program

BladeRunners provides free life skills, job readiness skills, work experience, on-the-job training, job coaching and ongoing supports to unemployed or precariously employed young adults. The BladeRunners programs are delivered throughout B.C. and provide a variety of skills training options. For more information, please contact the service provider(s) in your region.

History
It began in 1994 when a pilot project was started to address the needs of young adults in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside. Twenty-five participants received job placements as labourers to support the construction of GM Place (now Rogers Arena). These participants were called the “BladeRunners.”

Eligibility
Young adults aged 15 to 30 who face multiple barriers to employment.

Services Provided
Employment-related training and support, such as:

• Job readiness skills
• Certification courses (for example, WHMIS, WCB Awareness, First Aid Level 1)
• Job coaching and support seven days a week, 24 hours a day
• Workplace communication skills
• Job placement opportunities
• Life skills training

Locations
Throughout B.C.