Young people in Richmond looking for help entering the workforce will be able to get valuable skills and employment training through the BladeRunners program, thanks to a provincial funding boost.
The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) has received $10,523,551 in funding over three years to offer the program to youth who face barriers in employment in 14 communities across B.C., including Richmond.
The employment and skills training program helps at-risk youth aged 15 to 30 find employment opportunities in fields such as construction. It provides job coaching, work experience and on-the-job training.
Youth also build life skills and receive mentorship and other supports to help them participate and succeed in the program.
ACCESS has been delivering the BladeRunners program for over 20 years.
In total, the province is allocating $18.6 million over three years to 11 organizations delivering the program across B.C.
More than 4,000 young people in B.C. will benefit from the funding, 65 to 70 per cent of whom are expected to be Indigenous, according to the provincial government.
