Referral Guide

Download the Referral Guide ( 120 KB)

• General information
• Program outline
• Target group
• Training times
• How to get there
• What the young people will need
• What the young people will get from U-Turn
• How to refer young people
• More information

General Information

U-Turn is a two year pilot program jointly funded by the Australian Government's National Crime Prevention Program and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. It is designed to provide young people involved in car theft with a positive and practical option to help them stop re-offending. It recognises their interest in cars and offers them the opportunity to learn about the basics of working in an auto workshop. Successful participants will obtain a Certificate 1 in Automotive.

Workshop training is delivered by two qualified mechanical trainers and tailored to suit the individual needs of the young people including any learning or literacy difficulties. The aim of the program is to have these young people realise that they are capable of achieving and pursuing a career in the automotive industry. After the training is completed, they are assisted to find local work experience in an area that they are interested in, even if that area is outside the automotive arena.

To maintain interest U-Turn is project based, the training is hands on and the young people work on cars in a genuine workshop environment. In addition, those who put in the effort will spend Fridays off-site working on and driving go-karts or participating in other field trips. One aspect of go-karting is to reinforce safe driving practices including the physics of driving, the impact of under-inflated tyres on handling, car/weight ratios, etc.

A full time Youth Worker is available to further encourage and support the young people and to help them where they need assistance. U-Turn staff provide ongoing support and mentoring to the young people after they complete the program and the U-Turn workshop can be made available out of hours for then to work on their own cars.

There is a great deal of community interest and support for this program. Local businesses have been approached to provide work experience training and apprenticeships for those young people who show an aptitude. To achieve positive outcomes for these young people, we are relying on individuals as well as government and non-government agencies to refer young offenders to U-Turn. We look forward to hearing from you, answering any questions you may have, and to assisting the young people you consider referring to U-Turn.

Program Outline

The program is operating from a certified Motor Vehicle Workshop to ensure the training young people experience is as close as possible to a real workshop environment and comprises:

• 10 weeks training in Certificate 1 Automotive
• This is followed by 2 weeks work experience

• Two qualified mechanics will train the young people in the basics of:
• Identifying engine and car parts
• Servicing engines and components
• Battery testing and replacement
• Use and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Workplace communications
• Dealing with customers
• Workplace Health and Safety

• A full time Youth Worker will assist and encourage the young people in what ever areas required.

Target Audience

• Young people, male and female, aged 15 to 20 years
• Known history, or at least one offence of car theft**

** Depending on demand for places - the program will also accept young people who you think are at risk of becoming involved in car theft.

Training Times

There will be eight 10 week workshops delivered over a 2 year period. The first workshop commenced on Tuesday 28th September 2004. Further dates are available from the YMCA U-Turn Manager.

Workshops are conducted from Tuesdays to Fridays:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• 9:30am - 3:30pm in workshop
• Fridays
• 9:30am - 3:30pm - Karting/Field Trips

** Young people must attend the workshops to drive the karts or attend field trips!!

How to Get There

U-Turn is located at 10-14 Allgas St Slacks Creek. Public transport is readily available. For young people coming by bus, the Springwood Bus Depot is about a 7 minute walk away. For those coming by train, the nearest stop is at Kuraby Station from where U-Turn staff pick up and drop off candidates.

Alternative transport arrangements may be made through the YMCA U-Turn Project Manager for young people who cannot access these services.

What the Young People Will Need

• A desire to learn more about cars
• A commitment to turn up and participate cooperatively

• Safety Boots
• Safety Glasses
• Overalls
• Rail and bus passes
• Breakfast and Lunch!!

What the Young People Will Get From U-Turn

In addition to getting into the habit of getting up and going to work, the young people will get lots of things from the program, including:

• A Certificate 1 in Automotive
• Help to find work experience in an area that they are interested in
• Learn whether they want a career in the automotive industry. This may include:
• Motor mechanic
• Heavy vehicle mechanic
• Brake mechanic
• Panel Beater
• Spay Painter etc
• Help to get a driver's licence
• Help to sort themselves out:
• Support and encouragement
• Realising that they can do lots of things well
• Working as a team
• Access to a full time Youth Worker
• Access to other programs managed by the YMCA
• Ongoing support after the training is finished

How to Refer Your Clients

There is a simple enrolment form available on the U-Turn website at www.police.qld.gov.au that you can download and either fax or e-mail to us.

This website also has a flyer that has been designed for the young people - it simply outlines the main features of the U-Turn in an easy to read layout.

More Information

If you have any questions, or there's more information you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to contact the YMCA U-Turn Manager, Kevin Featherstone, on 3208 9715, or by email on Kevin.Featherstone@ymca.org.au

The best practice Model prepared by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, upon which U-Turn is based, is available on the U-Turn website.