Ten young offenders, aged between 13 and 18, completed Serving Kids In Life Lessons (SKILL), a PCYC initiative, conducted with support from Mission Australia and the Juvenile Justice Department.

The participants had committed crimes that included drug and alcohol, violence and property related offences.

The program covered drug and alcohol education, crime prevention, job interview skills and team building, as well as trade and apprenticeship seminars with Central West Group Apprentices.

The PCYC hopes SKILL will lead the participants into further education and discourage them from reoffending.

One of the course’s participants said SKILL had inspired him to pursue work as a tradesperson.

“I want to get a job, make good choices and stay out of trouble,” the participant said.

“I feel good, they were really good to us and taught us a lot.”

Senior Constable Helen Baker, one of the course coordinators, said SKILL had been an overwhelming success.

“It’s been fantastic, the kids have participated in everything,” she said.

“They’ve enjoyed everything and most importantly they’ve learnt something.

“They’ve gained an understanding of making positive choices.”

The PCYC is seeking community funding so it can run the course again in January.