Social Development and Poverty Reduction
NANAIMO - At age 19, Jim Alcorn had never worked and was living in a remote part of B.C., on Penelakut Island. When he moved to Nanaimo, Jim was keen to work but not sure what to do next.
His aunt had heard about the Nanaimo Youth Services Association (NYSA), which offers supports for young people under age 30. NYSA is an approved service provider of a WorkBC Employment Services Centre.
Through NYSA, Jim got referred to BladeRunners, a provincial program for at-risk youth, aged 15-30. He loved it and ended up with a wall full of certificates and a head full of self-knowledge.
“One of the parts I enjoyed was the life skills portion. I found out a lot about myself and it helped me grow a bit more. I have become more outgoing,” Jim said.
BladeRunners, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, gave Jim something else. Self-confidence, self-awareness and perseverance. BladeRunners also helped him get off income assistance after just month by finding out what he was interested in and helping him pursue it.
An amiable young man who likes people, Jim has been working full-time for a Nanaimo cab company, AC Taxi, for about eight months as a call taker. He’s also training to be a dispatcher.
He has high praise for both NYSA and BladeRunners.
“It’s definitely worth signing up for. They can help you with almost anything that’s bothering you and help you find a job,” Jim said.
Quick Facts:
- Since the launch of the Employment Program of BC, WorkBC Employment Services Centres have provided 178,000 people with supports and services to find and keep a job
- 230 of these people have been referred into the BladeRunners program.
Learn More at:
Media Contact:
Grant Kerr
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635
