GIVING students hands-on skills to be work-ready is a focus at Bunbury Senior High School’s Shed Works program.
One aspect of the program is a Young Drivers Education and Training Course that informs students about road safety, driver training and basic mechanics.
Young Drivers trainer Gary Thomas said it was an introduction to cars and driving, giving students the confidence and ability to learn in a supportive environment.
“They learn so much and I enjoy being able to see their progress from start to finish and see a smile on their faces,” he said.
“This program puts them one step ahead of the game and encourages their learning.”
Paul McKenzie and Di Ellwood runs the Shed Works program at Bunbury Senior High School and said the aim was to integrate the students into the community with the focus on functional and practical learning.
This is the first year the program has been run with the new schedule and structure and positive results have already been seen.
“We have seen the students build resilience and have improved social and interpersonal skills from this program,” Mr McKenzie said.
“Some of the kids hadn’t been to school for a year or so and now after doing this program turn up every day because they want to be here.
“Our focus is on social, emotional and academic wellbeing to give the students life skills, so they have the reassurance to know they can go into the workforce and get a job.”
There are five schools from the Bunbury region that are participating in the driver training course with more than 75 students who complete the course each year.
