We have also recognised the potential for our workshops to be a welcoming and supportive environment for young people who have recently arrived in Australia
Over the past three years, we have seen an increase in the number of young people wanting to complete our Hand Brake Turn course, and a wider age range of applicants. In response to this, we have begun to explore whether we might begin to deliver one pathway for those still at school (aged 14 – 17 years) and another for those aged 17+ who have left school.
We have also recognised the potential for our workshops to be a welcoming and supportive environment for young people who have recently arrived in Australia to learn about the Australian workplace and prepare for employment in automotive and other industries.
With the support of the Bennelong and Scanlon Foundations, this year we are piloting the Young Adult Pathway in Sunshine West and Dandenong.
The first pilot in Sunshine West was based on our HBT course, but adapted and incorporated feedback and suggestions from young people, and these were tried and tested through the pilot. Course facilitator Wil Campbell said, “Running the course was an absolute delight, the group did a brilliant job of engaging with each other as well as the content.” He was particularly pleased that it struck a good balance between learning practical skills, having the conversations about next steps and building community through having a good time together.
Photo Credit: One of the pilot participants, Peace Brown, is a keen photographer and took some photos of the group together to show other young people who might be interested in the kind of activities the course involves.
