Second Gear: Shifting to Success

Hands-On Learning: Workshop Week

This week was dedicated to hands-on workshop learning. Students rolled up their sleeves to begin the electric bike conversion project, pulling apart their bikes, stripping them back to the frame, and assessing each component.

Our participants explored how gears, chains, and brakes work together, compared parts for durability and efficiency, and began finalising their custom designs. Through this process, participants are not only learning mechanical and electrical skills, but also developing problem-solving, teamwork, and project planning, all essential for future employment.

Building Knowledge: Drug & Alcohol Awareness

We began the week with an interactive Drug & Alcohol Awareness Session delivered by Kelly from the Kimberley Community Alcohol and Drug Service at WACHS. These sessions are consistently well received, as our young people gain practical insights into the impact of substances on health, relationships, and future opportunities.

They also learn strategies for making positive choices, resisting peer pressure, and understanding the long-term consequences of substance use. This critical awareness builds a foundation of resilience and informed decision-making that carries into all areas of life.

Industry Insights: Kimberley Ports Authority Visit

On Friday, participants had the opportunity to visit the Kimberley Ports Authority, one of the Kimberley’s most significant infrastructure hubs. The port plays a vital role in regional development, servicing industries such as shipping, logistics, and resources.

Students gained a behind-the-scenes view of port operations, explored career pathways in maritime services, and understood how such infrastructure supports both local communities and global trade. Experiences like this broaden horizons and connect young people to industries they may not have previously considered.

Kimberley Bush Garden Project

We are excited to have commenced the Kimberley Bush Garden Project, delivered in collaboration with Kimberley Personnel and supported by the Structural Adjustment Fund. This initiative will employ and train eight Kimberley Personnel clients in horticulture skill sets, while also creating a vibrant garden at 41 Blackman Street.

Our new program coordinator, Kim, has commenced work to establish the project and prepare the site for its first intake of employees, who will join two at a time. With strategic input from consortium partners, including Environs Kimberley, and delivery partnerships with North Regional TAFE, this project is designed to provide employment, skill development, and a sense of pride in creating something lasting and community-focused.

Apprenticeship Success: Koby Rose

For Koby Rose, the traditional classroom was never going to be the only pathway. When he joined our e-scooter program in 2024, he threw himself into every opportunity, graduating with his scooter, excelling in his Rural Skills certifications, and engaging confidently with mentors and peers. His enthusiasm for learning, combined with his respectful and supportive nature, quickly marked him as a standout participant.

That commitment has now led to a clear career path. With the support of The Skill Engineer, Apprenticeships Support Australia, North Regional TAFE, and his new host employer Solar Microgrids Australia, Koby has signed a four-year apprenticeship in Electrotechnology. Working alongside industry leader James Moffatt, he is beginning a journey that combines technical training with real-world experience.

Based in Broome, Solar Microgrids Australia is dedicated to delivering renewable energy systems that are community-led, culturally respectful, and built to last. By joining their team, Koby is stepping into a future at the forefront of clean energy, helping create solutions that empower our Kimberley region.

Congratulations Koby, we are all so excited to see your journey unfold!!