Jump Start is all about engaging and inspiring young people.

As part of the Women in Manufacturing – Try a Trade Day, the Jump Start team hosted young people in our workshop, introducing them to hands-on activities, answering their questions and sparking an interest in automotive careers. 16 students from Years 9-12 attended the day held at Barkly Square, Ballarat, in March.

“It was fabulous to bring a bunch of female students from all different schools together to experience a taste of the automotive and manufacturing industries,” said Louise Rippon, Jump Start Facilitator.

The group enjoyed a detailed tour of MaxiTRANS, tried welding, changed tyres and checked tyre pressure and heard firsthand from some amazing females working in the trade.

“It was great to partner with BGT Jobs & Training, the Highlands LLEN, Apprenticeship Support Australia and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to deliver this experience.

At Jump Start we ensure that we provide a safe and supportive space, where young people, and in this instance, female and non-binary students, can gain confidence and feel comfortable to explore and try new things.”

Feedback from attendees on the day, saw 89% of participants indicating a heightened interest in pursuing a school-based apprenticeship or engaging in structured workplace learning within the manufacturing sector.

“More and more so, we are joining with other organisations to enhance the experiences offered as part of the Jump Start program,” Louise explained. “Recently we visited several local workplaces including Ballarat BMW, Albins Performance Transmissions, Ballarat Subaru, Autoglass and Wendouree Car Service Centre. The participants enjoy the opportunity to see a range of employees in action and it opens their eyes to the diverse employment opportunities available. We’ve been really fortunate to be so well supported by the local community in this program in terms of pathway options for our young people.”

Jump Start is a term-based program for ages 15-24. Offering a hands-on approach in a friendly environment, there is no theory or assessments, with the workshop providing a simulated work environment rather than a classroom. The program has proved very popular, with each series of sessions fully booked.

Read more about Jump Start here.