A positive force for learner drivers

MORE of the region’s young learner drivers will be able to complete their one hundred and twenty hours of practice behind the wheel with the support of two partnering organisations.

Employment and recruitment group gforce Ballarat is working with the Ballarat Foundation, who run the local TAC L2P program, to offer driving lesson opportunities to their clients.

Young people who are involved with gforce and have the desire to gain a driver’s licence will be able to access the guidance, resources, and mentorship of supervising drivers to reach their independent on-road goals.

Youth employment manager at gforce Darrin Carroll said some of his colleagues have also boosted the TAC L2P program’s pool of mentors, participating in training to become volunteer supervising drivers around town.

“gforce is pleased to be able to support the L2P program, which plays a critical role in supporting young people, with a pathway to work up their driver hours and obtain that all-important driver’s licence,” he said.

Mr Carroll said the driving program and gforce serve a similar demographic of clients, and that a valid driver’s licence is often attractive to employers reviewing job applications.

The Ballarat Foundation’s community impact manager Stacey Oliver said the new partnership will strengthen both organisations’ service provision.

“Working collaboratively… provides greater opportunity to improve the outcomes for young people through gaining a licence, increasing their independence, and may assist with securing employment,” she said.