Now in its third year, the 10-week course is running at Gisborne Secondary College and Sacred Heart College in Kyneton.

Helped by Leading Senior Constable Joe Grbac, the Macedon Ranges youth resource officer, the program has been hailed a success through the support of community businesses and individuals.

Leading Senior Constable Grbac said the program received the Macedon Ranges Council Youth Award in the academic category last year.

"Our commitment to these kids does not finish after the 10 weeks. We continue to engage them and look after them as best we can.

"We have chased up every kid who has been through the program and every one of them is still engaged in education or an apprenticeship. Also, in terms of their well-being, things have improved.

"A lot of these kids have energy, we don't want them to lose that, they just need to direct it better. The automotive aspect is something they enjoy or start to enjoy."

Gisborne Secondary College teacher David Westlake volunteers his time to teach young people modules from Kangan Batman TAFE, which cover topics such as using tools and occupational health and safety.

"The students are nominated by teachers or people in the community and this program is to get them focused on something," Mr Westlake said.

"At school I'm a teacher, but here I'm a facilitator. We treat the kids how we would like to be treated in return."

Poll Position details: Joe Grbac, Kyneton police, 54221377.