Prince George residents are being offered a free 20-week-long skills training program designed to prepare participants for work in the construction industry.
The Bladerunners: Raising Roofs program is being offered by Kopar Administration and is being paid for by the Canadian Government.
It is opened to all unemployed youth and adults between the ages of 16-30, offering participants the chance to gain employment or training in the construction industry.
The program will consist of in-class and hands-on training opportunities, upon completion, participants will complete building two sheds and one large building that will be utilized by either the Air Cadets or the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
Kopar’s Operations Manager, Ken Newell says this is an exciting opportunity for residents to gain skill sets that are in high demand.
“Individuals in the program will go through some basic life skills courses, some training in job maintenance and what to expect on a job site and stuff like that. But the big thing that they’re going to walk out of with is certificate training that is designed specifically for the construction industry,” he explained.
Upon completion, participants will receive certification in WHIMIS, Level 1 First Aid, SiterReadyBC Construction Training, and Fall Arrest/Protection Training.
“This program will prepare our participants for work in the construction industry giving them the skills and confidence to succeed in those opportunities. Kopar and our Partners will also assist with placing the participants after completion of the program into employment opportunities. We already have several employers lined up awaiting our graduates and if a participant is wanting to return to school, possibly as an apprentice, we will assist with that process as well,” added Newell.
In order to attend the program, no special tools or prior training is required as all safety gear and tools will be provided.
Many of the personal safety equipment and tools (including things like hardhats, safety boots, hammers, aprons, speed squares, etc) will be given to the participants at the successful conclusion of the program.
The program will be offered for the next three years, with new 20-week programs starting every 10-11 weeks.
Anyone interested in participating in the Bladerunners program is being asked to contact Kopar Administration.