Two Sunshine organisations are playing their part to help disadvantaged teenagers get back on track.
ACM Parts is donating free items, such as car guards and bonnets, for panel beating and spray painting design students who are getting a fresh start through the successful Hand Brake Turn (HBT) program in Sunshine.
HBT trainer Oscar Rosa said about 80 per cent of students who entered the program had dropped out of school, with many having a history of disadvantage, disengagement or drug use.
HBT, a project run by not-for-profit organisation Concern Australia, gives young people the chance to build automotive workshop skills, with graduates receiving certificate II in automotive body repair technology.
Many students have gone on to complete apprenticeships and get full-time jobs.
“Our students come from many different backgrounds,” Mr Rosa said.
“Some are early school leavers. In fact, we recently had a 15-year-old student who had not attended school on a regular basis since grade six,” he said.
“Some of the students we see are not very trusting of adults. There can be behavioural issues to address and we try to do that in a respectful way.
“This isn’t just about TAFE training; it’s about getting young people working in a team, learning how to speak to each other, and learning how to approach an employer when they’re trying to get work.”
ACM Parts chief executive Mike Kirkman said his company was proud to help young people build both automotive and life skills.
