MORE than 600 young people have gained their driver licence through PCYC Ipswich’s Braking the Cycle program, with a new $40,000 funding boost set to help even more young people get behind the wheel.
Not-for-profit employment, training and business services provider Enterprise & Training Company (ETC) has provided $40,000 through its Community Support Fund to purchase a new vehicle for the Ipswich program.
Braking the Cycle pairs volunteer driver mentors with young people who face barriers to completing the supervised driving hours required to obtain their licence, including those without access to a suitable vehicle or supervising driver.
The new vehicle will increase the number of supervised driving opportunities available as the Ipswich program celebrates helping its 600th participant gain a licence.
PCYC Ipswich Braking the Cycle Program Coordinator Maree Porter said access to another vehicle could make a significant difference for young people who would otherwise struggle to complete their required hours.
“Every vehicle helps us support more young people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the supervised driving hours needed to obtain their licence,” Ms Porter said.
“For many participants, that licence opens the door to employment, education and greater independence.”
ETC’s Ipswich Transition to Work team works closely with PCYC Ipswich to refer eligible young people to Braking the Cycle.
ETC Youth Engagement Advisor Jhun Cortez said something as simple as access to a car and supervising driver could have a major impact on a young person’s employment prospects.
“One car will help so many of our young people in the Transition to Work program learn to drive, while also supporting the Ipswich community,” Mr Cortez said.
