By Kath Gannaway
THERE’s nothing like getting a bit of grease under your fingernails when it comes to learning about what’s what under the bonnet of a car.
“It’s hands on here … better than reading it out of a book,” said Ryan de Smet about his motivation for going along to Car Torque 3777 each Wednesday night.
Ryan, 22, and Mitch Teunissen, 19, were fitting a snorkel on Mitch’s Hilux, but they are also working with the Car Torque mechanics on restoring a ex-army jeep destined for Healesville RSL.
“I come here to learn everything I can so I can go off and do things myself, without having to call someone up every time I need to do something,” Ryan said.
Mitch’s motivation is the same and the benefit he says is having trained mechanics on hand to pass on their knowledge and experience.
Car Torque 3777, now in its third year operates out of a well-equipped workshop at Healesville Living and Learning Centre in Healesville.
It’s open to males and females from 15 to 23 and in addition to the mechanical side of the operation, it covers road safety and driver responsibility.
The original concept has expanded to include a session with Healesville High School VCAL students each Monday.
Co-ordinator John Robinson said Car Torque 3777 is a great opportunity for young people to get hands-on mechanical experience.
“We always have a qualified mechanic on board as well as people like myself who have played around with cars all our lives.
“People can come in at any point and if they leave with a bit of mechanical experience and a sense of responsibility and respect we have achieved something,” he said.
The Wednesday night sessions run all year from 6.30pm to 8.30pm with a short break over Christmas.
There are currently vacancies. For more information phone Mr Robinson on 5962 5395.
