Young Victorians geared up for a career in the automotive industry are being given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams through a training program for at-risk young people, funded by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins today announced Concern Welfare Australia will receive $300,000 to facilitate the Hand Brake Turn Program, helping young people gain work in the motor vehicle industry.

The five-week training program offers technical and practical skills for young people 15-25 years of age from Melbourne’s North West, and sets out a pathway to employment within the automotive industry.

Through mentoring and hands-on training, the program also builds confidence and self-belief, helping young people create positive life pathways for themselves and reduce their risk of contact with the justice system.

Concern Welfare Australia works with at risk young people and children to create opportunities for them to enjoy full and prosperous lives.

The program also works in partnership with a range of local youth support providers, including the Youth Junction Inc, Centre for Multicultural Youth, the AFL Ladder Foundation and local school communities.

By giving disengaged young people with an interest in cars a positive way through which they can channel their passion, the project aims to help reduce vehicle-related crime in the state, as part of a $1.2 million investment.

This packaged includes Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Stoppers Victoria receiving funding to deliver awareness campaigns to support the public taking steps to avoid being a victim of vehicle crime.

Addressing the root causes of crime is a key part of the Labor Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which is underpinned by a $32 million in investment over the past two Budgets.

For more information visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au