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Nak’azdli Bladerunners: running strong

Nak’azdli is now running the Bladerunners Program from January through to March 2016.
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Tim Boyes from Conifex giving a tour of the mill with members of the Bladerunners Program.

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

Nak’azdli is now running the Bladerunners Program from January through to March 2016.

The program is geared for youths between the ages 16 – 30 who have been out of school and unemployed or under-employed to participate in: certificated trades training, pre-employment training, career development, support and guidance, work placement, job coaching, life skills, computer training and essential skills in numeracy, English and reading.

The 12 week pre-employment training program runs three groups every year and accepts five participants per group.

According to Bladerunner Team Leader, Caroline Ahuille, employment training is the main emphasis of the program but they honour community talents, wisdom and knowledge to prepare young people for their futures.

“In the past, we’ve had a high success rate in terms of persons getting employment. It boosts skills and self-esteem,” Ahuille said.

The Bladerunners Program is now in its 5th year running in Fort St. James.

Participants engage in various courses in: construction safety, fork lift and chainsaw training, computer skills, cashier training, food safety, financial fitness and tours are offered at Conifex Mill and the New Gold Mill.

Tim Boyes, Safety Chargehand at Conifex regularly leads tours for Bladerunner participants.

“It’s all about youths who are having a hard time finding employment. It’s great to be able to help,” Boyes said.

“We usually give them a tour, a talk about the plant and we help with resume writing-things we look for when hiring,” Boyes said.

For more information about the Bladerunners, visit: bladerunners@nakazdli.ca or call: Amelia Stark or Caroline Ahuille at: (250) 996-7171.