Traffic and Highway Patrol Command working in partnership with PCYC’s Fit 4 Work, NSW

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command are joining Dubbo PCYC’s ‘Fit 4 Work’ Program to provide knowledge about road safety and the importance of making good decisions when behind the wheel.

Fit for Work targets young people aged 15 to 18, who are facing challenges at home, school or in the community. The program aims to reduce and prevent their involvement in antisocial behaviour and/or crime by providing them with positive opportunities that will educate, inspire and empower them into the workforce.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Sergeant Kelly Wixx will present information to participants covering speeding, drug and drink driving, using mobile phones and seatbelts. This will assist participants in obtaining their learner driver’s licence as part of the Fit 4 Work Program, which could increase their employment opportunities.

Sergeant Wixx said a priority of police involvement is to prevent the risk of negative interaction between young people and police before it begins.

“By empowering these young people with the knowledge and the courage to make the right decisions, particularly when behind the wheel, we believe it can change how we interact,” Sgt Wixx said.

“This in turn makes them feel like a valuable member of the community by having a licence and ultimately a job giving them a sense of purpose, value and inclusion.

“We also want to provide a positive experience for participants to show that we are here to protect everyone and make the roads a safer place for the whole community.”

The PCYC Institute, a NSW Registered Training Organisation (RTO), developed the 10-week syllabus to ensure the material is relevant and engaging for the target group.

Local police act as mentors during the program, working in partnership with young people to make sound decisions and to grow in confidence to instil genuine long-term resilience.

This program forms part of the NSW Police Commissioner’s RISEUP Strategy, a collaborative approach which involves PCYC NSW, NSW Police and industry leaders working together to achieve positive outcomes for young people.

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