Although Literacy North Otago (LNO) had no funds to set up the Waitaki District Trades Training Scheme, LNO manager Helen Jansen said, with the help of the local community and a ''close working relationship'' with Aoraki Polytechnic, the scheme was now operating.
Ms Jansen said students between the ages of 16 and 25 could be referred to the scheme through New Zealand Work and Income, Child Youth and Family or local schools. So far, six students had been enrolled.
''I work with a bunch of kids that need to learn with something that they relate to. These young people are the sort that need to learn on a need-to-know basis.
"So, in that case, you have to put the things they need to learn in the bigger context of the world into an environment like pulling apart an engine, so it's very contextual.
''My primary interest is getting them to engage with learning so they have broader skills. They are not the sort of kids who are going to get the NCEA level one or two by sitting with books.''
It was hoped the scheme would eventually lead to students entering work placements in the local community.
She said the scheme would not have been possible without ''amazing'' input from the community and local automotive industry.
''There is no formal funding; it's just a passion for helping these kids to learn.
''I have donations, I have tools, I have engines coming out of my ears and I have a space to do it in. The community have been amazingly responsive and supportive.''
Aoraki Polytechnic had also provided a space for the students to use, she said.
She added that it was hoped local professionals would take part in the scheme as mentors, as opposed to a ''traditional tutor''.
''There is a national trend for ageing in the rural areas of New Zealand. The Waitaki District and Oamaru is no exception.
''There is also the feeling that the youth have nothing to stay in Oamaru for and yet there is a demand for skilled trades people.
"Older people who have moved through the workforce still have expertise that they may be willing to contribute back as part of the mentoring programme in the project.''
