By CASEY NEILL
A DANDENONG automotive program for at-risk youths is offering more skills than ever before.
HandBrakeTurn (HBT) Dandenong, run by Concern Australia, gives 15 to 20-year-olds an opportunity to get their life on track through training in mechanics, panel beating and spraying.
In May the not-for-profit organisation started offering a Certificate II Automotive Vehicle Body course to combat dropping enrolments.
Acting manager Marc Clothier said the government changed the course structure so referrals to its Certificate I course no longer received funding.
The program almost had to close but has bounced back and is now welcoming enrolments for its next nine-week program, which are due by 29 July.
Mr Clothier said about 20 students participated in each of the five courses throughout the year and local schools, job search agencies and Centrelink referred troubled or disengaged youths to the Hilton Street training centre.
He said participants took away great skills and confidence.
They mostly work on old cars donated to the program, but a qualified mechanic is now also supervising routine servicing.
HBT is always looking for more car donations and also needs monetary donations and volunteers for administration, panel beating or mechanic roles.
For more information about enrolling, volunteering or donating call HBT on 9793 1466.
