Melissa is a single parent who heard about the BladeRunners Program one day when she was dropping off her son at the Early Childhood Education Centre at Kla-how-eya in Surrey. One of the workers there told her about BladeRunners; always looking for opportunities, Melissa decided to follow up.

Becoming a BladeRunner was a “good thing for me”, said Melissa. The BladeRunners training created an interest in working with her hands. After the completion of health and safety training, Melissa was not able to find employment as a result of the downturn in the economy. This however did not stop her from searching for opportunities. Through a friend she heard about a piping program, so she decided to go back to school. Melissa made contact with the Piping Training Institute in Delta, found out they were taking applications, completed her application and was accepted into training right away. Melissa said that the certificates that she received in BladeRunners helped her a lot in being accepted. She said that she can see a good future for herself and her son.

“BladeRunners motivated me and once motivated I keep trying.”

James faced multiple barriers before attending Kla-how-eya’s BladeRunner program. He had no work experience, no resume or resume writing skills, very little cultural knowledge and he was homeless. Since participating in the program he has acquired a number of health and safety tickets, but more importantly, he has also gained valuable knowledge of cultural practices and beliefs that motivate and empower him.

James had recently been provided with clothing in preparation for his first ever job interview. He got a haircut, a shower and a ride to his interview. Unfortunately his nerves got the better of him and he “bombed” the interview but the interviewer asked him to come back the next day for a retry. James contacted BladeRunners and received encouragement and coaching for his next interview as well as much needed emotional support. James got the job…his first ever and is doing well as a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization.

“BladeRunners motivated me to better my life, to get a job and to be a more outgoing person.”