Motorvation (EBH24) – An Interview with Programme Manager Steve Philliben

Young people are offered the chance to train as mechanics at the same time as learning some basic skills at the Motorvation training programme in east Brighton. The project is run by Creating Futures, formerly Sussex Youth, and offers a range of courses to young people aged from 14 upwards. Funding for some of the courses can be accessed via the Entry to Employment programme run by NACRO.

Manager Steve Philiben explains: “Motorvation is a fully equipped garage workshop with classrooms for young people to develop their basic and life skills as well as understand the rudiments of motor vehicle maintenance.

“Through mechanics we can engage with them – the young people who come here often have many difficult issues in their lives and need their sense of self-esteem to be built up.” Success in basic skills at Motorvation usually leads to an Award Scheme and Development Accreditation (ASDAN) certificate for a young person, who may be referred by their school or other agencies such as the Youth Offending Team. Most of the over 16’s are NEET – not in education, training or employment.

Motorvation is currently in discussions with The Institute of The Motor Industry about becoming an approved IMI centre and this may lead to an increase in the courses Motorvation can offer. This discussion forms part of a wider dialogue with a funder who is considering supporting a proposed new project which will tackle worklessness and Motorvation is extremely keen to engage with other interested funders to discuss this new project.

“We believe the project is ground breaking in terms of the provision it would offer those affected by worklesness” explained Steve. The garage operates as a social enterprise during school holidays and welcomes customers with cars to fix during these times.” Our rates are very competitive as we only charge for labour and the basic cost of parts. All our trainees are supervised and taught by our two teaching mechanics” said Steve.

CFL has given a commitment to continue underwriting the costs but funding and sponsorship is urgently being sought and the programme has been boosted by getting an extension of EBNDCP funding and massive demand from local schools and the local authority for the services it provides.

For more information on the project call (01273) 696576 or email Steve Philliben.