Media Release

TURNING YOUNG LIVES AROUND

K3004 7 April 1999   

An innovative crime prevention, vocational training and skills development programme for 15 – 20 year olds was launched today in Parramatta by the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp.

"The Hand Brake Turn Project will give 252 disadvantaged young people caught up in the juvenile justice system a chance to overcome barriers to employment by giving them pre-vocational training and placement into New Apprenticeships," said Dr Kemp.

Commonwealth funding of $229,000 has been made available under the New Apprenticeships Access Programme for the Handbrake Turn project.

"All of the young people who will be taken into training have been referred from Juvenile Justice Units, the NSW Police and other local welfare agencies and are registered with Centrelink prior to commencement," said Dr Kemp.

"Many of the young people who will participate in this training are young offenders, or are currently within the care and protective system. Many are homeless or long term unemployed who face enormous difficulties getting real skills to get a job.

"As part of their course they will get 10 weeks of hands-on vocational training in basic automotive repair skills. This training will put them on track for a job and provide the opportunity to jump-start their careers."

The major components of the 10 week course include:

• vehicle mechanical repairs;
• basic body panel repairs;
• construction of off-road vehicles;
• improvements in literacy and numeracy skills; and
• improvements to personal life skills.

The project will have seven full-time staff:

• a Programme Manager who is responsible for the day to day operations
• a Youth Worker who is responsible for the recruitment screening assessment, vocational counselling and post course placements
• an Employment Placement Worker who is responsible for liaising with TAFE, arranges work experience opportunities and liaises with employment and training providers
• two mechanics and two panel beaters to deliver the practical components of the programme

The Hand Brake Turn Parramatta project has been developed in close consultation with the NSW Police, Australian Youth Foundation, NRMA, AAMI Insurance, Parramatta Council and the Chamber of Commerce. It builds on the success of the Hand Brake Turn project in Dandenong, Victoria which has been operating since October 1995.

Media Contact: Samantha Herron 0412 639 754 or 02 6277 7460

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