Skills To Get Hired
Gain the tools, certifications, and confidence to start your career with NYSA’s BladeRunners Program, funded by the Government of British Columbia.
This four-week, paid program is for youth aged 16-30 facing barriers to employment. Our Career Team will help you build skills, gain confidence, and get the support you need to succeed.
Our most in-demand program stream prepares you for a career in Nanaimo’s high-demand Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality industries. You’ll earn industry-recognized certifications to get you job-ready, including:
- Serving It Right
- FOODSAFE
- Occupational First Aid Level 1
- Cashier Training
- Customer Service Excellence
The Construction and Trades stream prepares you for work on job sites with the essential training and safety certifications you need to start a career in trades. You’ll get job-site ready with training in:
- Occupational First Aid Level 1
- WHMIS
- Fall Protection
- Ladder Safety
- Asbestos and Abatement
Programs Built For You
Getting your first real career started can be tough, especially when you’re facing challenges.
That’s exactly why BladeRunners was created: to give youth (16-30) the support, structure, and confidence to take that next step.
Here is what you get:
- Get Paid While You Learn: Earn a daily training stipend while you build your skills, just like on a real job site.
- Tools For Your Career: Leave with certifications, experience, and the confidence to move from training into steady work
- Secure Stable Housing: Earn your RentSmart certificate and learn practical skills to be a great tenant (recognized province-wide)
- Support For Your New Job: As a BladeRunners participant, you may be eligible for financial help with essentials like transportation or work gear
Upcoming BladeRunners Sessions
January 12 – 30, 2026
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
February 9 – 27, 2026
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
Registration
How To Apply
If you’re ready for a change, we can help you take that next step.
Reach Out
Call, text, or drop by to chat with our Career Team. We’ll help you figure out if BladeRunners is the right fit for you.
Apply Online or In Person
Once you’re ready, fill out a quick application form. We’ll schedule a short meeting to get to know you and learn about your goals.
Get Ready to Start
If accepted, we’ll help you prepare for your first day, from what to bring to what to expect.
BladeRunners Training Certification Highlights
Serving It Right (SIR)
Serving It Right is B.C.’s responsible liquor service program. Everyone who sells or serves alcohol in the province needs this certification. In BladeRunners, you’ll complete the course and learn how to serve alcohol safely, follow the law, and help keep customers and co-workers safe.
FOODSAFE Level 1
FOODSAFE Level 1 is B.C.’s standard for safe food handling. You’ll learn how to store, prepare, and serve food safely, prevent contamination, and keep workplaces clean and healthy. This certification is required for most restaurant, café, and catering jobs.
Occupational First Aid Level 1 (OFA 1)
This hands-on, one-day course teaches how to handle the most common first-aid situations on the job. By the end, you’ll be certified by WorkSafeBC as an Occupational First Aid Level 1 attendant, a valuable credential for construction, hospitality, and many other industries.
Job Coaching
Just like a sports coach helps you prepare for the game, NYSA’s job coaches help you prepare for work. You’ll get one-on-one guidance, help finding opportunities, and ongoing support as you start your first job and build your career.
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NYSA acknowledges our work takes place on Coast Salish territories and primarily the lands of the Snuneymuxw people.