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We recently welcomed Frank Dyer to our Jump Start program at Barkly Square, where he is working alongside our long-time mechanic Brendan.
Balancing a role at Fed Uni TAFE and keeping his hand in the industry by contracting at local businesses, Frank appreciates the journey that young people go through when learning the trade.
“A real highlight of working with young people is seeing when they learn something for the first time. Sometimes they don’t know themselves quite what they’ve learnt, but I know that down the track there will be a moment when they realise,” he outlined.
Our Jump Start automotive program is based at Barkly Square, Ballarat, and operates on a termly basis, with a new group starting each quarter.
Designed with a hands-on approach to learning, participants appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, the real workshop environment and the supportive mentoring of Frank and Brendan and our Youth team. To take part, no previous experience is required and there are no formal tests or assessments.
For many young people, it opens the possibility of learning again and is the first step in returning to more formalised education. Encouraged by the experience, many Jump Starters enrol in the TAFE Automotive program, find work experience locally and obtain apprenticeships or other employment opportunities.
For Frank, guiding and mentoring young people has many rewards.
“Seeing the pride of young people when they fix or put an engine back together, and share their successes with family or friends is just such an incredible feeling,” he said.
Find out more about Jump Start here.
