Students from Sunshine’s Hand Brake Turn know a thing or two about turning broken- down jalopies into flash cars.
They recently transformed an old Ford ute, kitting it out with generator-powered speakers and a barbecue in the tray.
The ute, which was last week presented to the Brimbank Youth Club and Brimbank Police and Citizens Youth Club, will be used to attract young people to events in parks, skate parks and other locations.
Hand Brake Turn is a charity that offers a nine-week automotive mechanics course to disadvantaged youths, in a bid to help them gain employment.
The project gives participants the chance to refurbish old cars and gain a certificate II in automotive studies.
Hand Brake Turn manager John Manga says the course is open to people aged 15 to 19 who have done it tough. “These are marginalised youth,” he said. “A lot of them are 15-year-olds. I’ve had some of them who have been out of school since grade 6 and 7.”
Some of the youths have come from families suffering the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, while others are on court orders.
Mr Manga said at least four students had taken on apprenticeships after completing the course, while others had chosen to go back
to school.
Hand Brake Turn relies on donated cars to keep the program going.
“Some of the cars are only good for these kids to train on,” Mr Manga said. “If we can sell them, the money goes back into the program.”
For more details or to donate a car,phone 9311 6273.
