A HANDS-on mechanical course run out of local workshop is seeking to give young people a chance to explore working on cars as a potential career option.<\/p>\n
The Y Ballarat\u2019s Jump Start Automotive Program\u00a0<\/span>takes\u00a0<\/span>place each term and aims to\u00a0<\/span>support\u00a0<\/span>people between the ages of 14 and 24 who are not engaged by traditional educational models, or are unemployed.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe key thing is engagement,\u201d facilitator Louise Rippon said. \u201cIt\u2019s somewhere to learn, but without the theory of an accredited course.<\/p>\n \u201cJump Start is all about welcoming young people in, getting them busy and engaged, all while trying out the automotive industry, and seeing how things work.<\/p>\n \u201cThey discover how tools work, how to change a tyre, pull an engine apart and put it back together, how to change oils, and get things back up and running, like an old lawnmower.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s safe, hands-on learning through doing, and getting your hands dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n The sessions are led by a qualified mechanic who is also an automotive teacher and assessor, and a youth worker is present to assist.<\/p>\n Ms Rippon said participants may see themselves pursuing a career in automotive, but that\u2019s not essential to take part.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s even beneficial for those who have, or are about to get their own car, so they can learn the basics of changing a tyre, or oil,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the older group of people taking part, this can be a helpful pathway if they\u2019re looking to go into further study, pre-apprenticeships, or jobs.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the younger participants, it\u2019s all about keeping them engaged and interested in the industry, and feedback we\u2019ve received has said some participants\u2019 school attendance has improved because Jump Start breaks up their week.\u201d<\/p>\n