Edward first entered the CSETS Bladerunners Program in January 2008 for pre-carpentry intake held in Duncan. He had just made the maximum age requirement as he was turning 30 when he first entered the program. He was considered disabled as he was dyslexic and having a hard time succeeding in any academic area as a result. CSETS and Edward’s band was able to purchase software to assist him in reading and spelling. From there he started to excel at everything he did.

His motivation and ambition grew to a strong desire to attain his carpentry certification. He said to the program coordinator, “Glenn, I want to be a carpenter and I’m going to do it.” Later, Edward received assistance with registering in the Vancouver Island University’s Carpentry Level 1 apprenticeship program. He was one of many BladeRunners who partook of the Aboriginal Construction Trades Program. Edward was one of the CSETS singers; everyday CSETS had an opening prayer song he was often called to sing. Edward was often seen in the library after class, working on his carpentry assignments and readings, and utilizing the tutorial assistant services.

Upon his successful completion of first year carpentry, he was sought by three different construction companies. Edward chose Pine Ridge Construction Ltd. and hasn’t looked back.

“Bladerunners helped me get started on the right path and made sure I stayed on it. They showed me what I needed to do and gave me the inspiration I needed to get my first year carpentry completed. It was tough, but it was worth it.”

Dean’s first program upon leaving junior high school was CSETS BladeRunners in August 2007. He was 28 years of age and not sure where he wanted to go in his life. He just knew he wanted to work with his hands and work for his community, the Snuneymuxw First Nations.

Dean’s literacy levels were very low. When he was accepted into the program he said, “I’m not sure if I should be in the program ‘cause I really got no education and might not pass the certifications stuff.” We said, “It was because of your lack of education that helped you get into the program Dean and that’s one of the things we’re going to help you with.”

The following week Dean was signed up with Adult Basic Education (ABE), on top of taking the health and safety training. On graduation day, Dean had the biggest, contagious smile and said, “I made it!” It was the first thing Dean had ever graduated from since leaving school. Dean went on to work in the Cable Bay Projects in Nanaimo to the end of its first phase and finally got his wish – to work for his band. Dean was hired as Maintenance Worker in May 2009 and is still smiling.

“I knew Dean when he was just a pup, and to see him go through Bladerunners and start working made me proud. He’s a hard worker and seems like he’s got his head on straight. We’ve had the CSETS Bladerunners program in our community a few times now and it seems to get a lot of our people working.”

-James Wesley, Supervisor