By CASEY NEILL
HAND Brake Turn isn’t just helping youths get a foothold in the auto industry.
The Dandenong training centre has a fully-qualified mechanic offering affordable servicing to bring in extra funding.
“We want to be a bit more self-sufficient,” spokeswoman Rebecca Kats said.
The not-for-profit Concern Australia program gives 15 to 20-year-olds a chance to get their lives on track through training in mechanics, panel beating and spraying.
It runs five nine-week courses throughout the year and students who complete it achieve a certificate II in autobody repair technology.
Hand Brake Turn (HBT) recently received funding to offer a regular big breakfast with a guest speaker, plus food for students each morning.
“Having a good start to the day and some good food, they’re a lot more focussed,” Ms Kats said.
“We’re getting better results out of our young people.”
These young people generally come to HBT through referrals from job agencies and schools.
“Most of the kids who do badly at school do really well here because they’re using their hands,” Ms Kats said.
She said the units they completed at HBT would count toward auto industry apprenticeships.
“Nine weeks here can literally cut 12 months off an apprenticeship,” she said.
The course also sends them into apprenticeships with a head-start in auto knowledge, an idea of what aspect of the industry they’re good at and enjoy, and job interview techniques.
After just four weeks in the course, Andrew, 17, from Hampton Park, was inspired to pursue an apprenticeship in automotive spray-painting.
“At school it’s more of being told what to do, and more writing,” he said.
“Here is more hands-on.”
Hand Brake Turn also picks up donated vehicles to use for parts, sell for scrap or restore.
Referrals for the course starting Tuesday 2 April are now being accepted.
Students must be between 15 and 20 years old and have basic literacy and numeracy skills, a willingness to learn and gain employment and a genuine interest in the automotive industry.
Call 9793 1466 for more information.
Hand Brake Turn is at 7 Hilton Street, Dandenong.
