Young people from communities across the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands are developing practical skills, confidence and new opportunities through the Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation, delivered by TAFE SA at the APY Trade Training Centre in Umuwa.

Students from Amata, Mimili, Pukatja (Ernabella), Kaltjiti (Fregon), Murputja, Pipalyatjara, Kalka and Yalata come together for hands-on training that provides nationally recognised skills and supports pathways to employment, apprenticeships and further education.

In the automotive workshop, students learn about workshop safety, vehicle servicing, wheel and tyre maintenance, basic vehicle inspections, and the correct use of hand and power tools.

Alongside these technical skills, they develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility and time-management skills valued in workplaces across many industries.

For many students, the program is about more than learning to work on vehicles. It provides an opportunity to discover their strengths, build self-belief and take pride in what they can achieve - skills and experiences that can support them well beyond the workshop.

The accommodation facilities at Umuwa are an important part of the program. They provide a central place for students travelling from across the region to stay while attending training blocks.

Living and learning together also allows students to build friendships, strengthen connections between communities and support one another throughout their training.

TAFE SA is also exploring ways to make vocational education more accessible by adapting selected components for mobile delivery.

This would allow lecturers to deliver parts of the training within communities, helping more students participate while remaining connected to their families and local support networks.

* This story was written by TAFE SA Automotive lecturer Craig Dredge (pictured above with Automotive students at Umuwa) and was published in the Coober Pedy Regional Times.