By CASEY NEILL
YOUNG people eyeing an auto-industry career now have more chances to get a head start at Hand Brake Turn in Dandenong
Campus manager Sonia Clark said that instead of nine-week courses, the automotive training centre was offering six-month courses with rolling intakes every few weeks.
“We continuously take students in now,” she said.
Ms Clark said other TAFE colleges only offered two intakes a year which was holding back students who were ready learn and get their hands dirty.
“You need to strike while the iron’s hot,” she said.
Up to 30 students aged 15 to 20 can be enrolled at any one time, and they attend the Concern Australia centre two to three days a week.
The course covers panel beating, motor mechanics, car detailing, occupational health and safety and more, and students who complete it achieve a certificate two in auto body repair.
Requirements include basic literacy and numeracy skills, a willingness to learn and gain employment, and a genuine interest in the automotive industry.
The course also leads students 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.
Ms Clark is looking at supply and demand in the area and considered other accredited and non-accredited courses that the centre could offer.
“I would like to grow it,” she said.
Hand Brake Turn is at 7 Hilton Street, Dandenong.
Call 9793 1466 with any queries or course suggestions.
