Image Credit: Bladerunners / https://www.accessfutures.com/bladerunners

By Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston and Special Advisor to the Premier on Youth

SoundOFF

SOUND OFF: BladeRunners gives youth the skills to thrive

Jul 28, 2021 | 11:35 AM

AS OUR ECONOMY STEADILY RECOVERS from the pandemic, we know that we can’t simply go back to normal. We need to build it back even better than it was before. That means building an economy that includes and benefits everyone and supports our work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Supporting the BladeRunners program is one way we’re making sure all youth have the skills to participate in our economic recovery. BladeRunners empowers young people aged 15-30 who are experiencing barriers to employment to gain career and life skills, as well as work experience, to jumpstart their careers in in-demand fields.

Last week, we announced $18.6 million is being provided to 11 organizations to deliver this program around the province over the next three years. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of more than 4,000 young people who are currently underemployed or precariously employed.

We know that the pandemic has been hardest on those who were already marginalized – including many youth, women, and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Between 65-70% of participants in BladeRunners over the next three years will be Indigenous youth. Part of our work towards reconciliation is making sure that Indigenous Peoples and communities have the skills and opportunities they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Training will be delivered by community organizations, Indigenous-led organizations, and First Nations across the province. In the Thompson-Okanagan region, 417 youth will be able to take part in the program over the next three years, with training locations in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Oliver. These programs are being delivered by Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) and the John Howard Society. The Ktunaxa Nation Council will also offer the program in Cranbrook to 168 young people from surrounding communities.

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In addition to learning skills and getting work experience in fields like construction, culinary arts, health care, retail and hospitality and office administration, youth will also build life skills and be mentored by adults who have shared similar life experiences, and who understand what they are going through.

Youth will also have wrap-around supports, which could look like transportation or bus tickets to get to and from work, a hot breakfast and lunch, or help with their job search – removing barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of participants successfully completing the program.

When everyone has the skills and the opportunities they need to support themselves and their families, our communities become more inclusive and resilient places to live. Let’s keep building our province back better.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.