Automotive lecturers steer men towards road to freedom

Two Charles Darwin University trades lecturers have had a glimpse of “life on the inside” as they delivered a new automotive course to inmates at the Alice Springs Corrections Centre this week.

Vocational Education and Training lecturers Robert Tucker and Alex Eberli spent three days delivering the Certificate II course in Automotive Tyre Service Technology to a group of men who are being prepared for release.

“It’s the first time we’ve delivered the tyre fitting course at this facility,” Mr Tucker said.

“We began with a discussion on safety in an automotive workplace and looked at some of the tools of the trade before tackling some of the more manual aspects of the course.

“Later on we’ll look at how to remove, inspect, repair and fit tyres and tubes, how to balance wheels and how to inspect steering and suspensions systems.”

Mr Tucker said each student would have an opportunity over summer to practise and perfect their skills before the final sessions of the training program are delivered in February.

“The intent is to skill them up for a workplace trial following their release next year.

“We are teaching them practical skills that will help them out in a remote community, but the bottom line is to get them into the work force.”