A unique program designed to engage and connect with ‘at-risk’ young people culminates today (Tuesday, 10 December) in the first test drive of their project – an engine powered Go-Kart.

Over the past 14 months or so, ‘at-risk youth’ attending at the Huon Valley PCYC Project Centre have been participating in the construction of a single seat Go-Kart.

The project included sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining of components, mechanical repairs and construction of the electrical system. The Huon Valley PCYC is unique in the fact that it is the only PCYC in Tasmania that has programs to engage ‘at-risk youth” in metalwork and steel construction projects.

Participants in the current program, RETCON (Reconnection through Construction) have spent half days each week in the Project Centre constructing the Kart. RETCON is designed to give participants the opportunity to develop practical and social skills and the self-confidence to either reconnect with community, school, family or friends. At present there are about 26 student participants per week engaged at the Huon Valley PCYC.
On Tuesday, 10 December between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, the Go Kart will be taken to the Driver Training Facility at Police Academy at Rokeby where participants will be given the opportunity to test drive the Kart.

Participants will first take part in a theory component delivered by a Police Driving Instructor prior to being permitted to drive the Kart.

"It is pleasing that the youths are able to see the project to its conclusion whilst at the same time enjoying the opportunity to drive it under supervised conditions in a safe environment," said PCYC Police Officer Constable Craig Vermey.