Blade Runners graduating from Aboriginal Trades Construction Program held at VIU, Nanaimo Campus January 2010.

Hi Everyone, May 12, 2010

The CSETS Bladerunners Program is inviting all CSETS bands, First Nation organizations and friendship centres to submit applications for the program to be delivered in their area. The Bladerunners model has expanded to capture all industries, not just construction and trades, as we have traditionally delivered. The objective of the program is to partner with one or more nations/organizations to train and place our community members, ages 15-30 into jobs or education.

Some possible intakes we will review are:

• Residential Building Maintenance Worker (RBMW)/ Building Service Worker
• Waterworks
• Culinary Arts/Cook Training
• Early Childhood Education
• Pre-trades Carpentry, or Orientation to the Trades (what we have traditionally offered)
• Landscaping/Gardening
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Apprenticeship

*Please note: the CSETS Bladerunners Program is open to any other worthwhile intakes your community would like to bring forward for training and placing youth into jobs or education. At your request, we would be happy to come and meet with you to discuss the program in greater detail.

Priority will be given to applications indicating partnership(s) with other nations; industry; and/or partner-funding/in-kind contributions and facilities to deliver the program. The program can cover costs such as stipends; training costs (instructors, skills certifications like WHIMIS, First Aid, etc); tools and clothing; and workshop supplies.

All applications must be submitted for review on June 4, 2010 by 4:00 pm. Please submit all correspondence from your band/organization by way of fax, email or letter to CSETS Bladerunners Coordinator at the address information below:

Glenn Boyda, Bladerunners Coordinator,

Coast Salish Employment and Training Society

201-5462 Trans Canada Highway

Duncan, BC

V9L 6W4