Program Overview 2025

The Menzies Bus Project Partnership with Youth Services Peninsula Frankston and The Salvation Army – Tools For The Trade (TFTT) Program

The Menzies Bus Project was established in response to insights from Vic Police Youth Resource Officers who recognised that transport barriers were preventing many young people from taking part in community programs and opportunities. Through Menzies Youth Services’ generous provision of a minibus and ongoing operational support, this partnership has removed a major hurdle by ensuring young people can connect with education, training and local community life.

For more than ten years, the TFTT program has delivered a transformative nine-week experience for young people aged 16–21 who are disengaged from school or facing disadvantage. The program has supported hundreds of participants to re-engage in learning, discover vocational pathways and gain confidence through practical skill-building. The Menzies Minibus has been an essential part of this success, giving participants the ability to attend training sites, community visits and industry placements – making full program participation possible for all.

The Role of the Menzies Minibus

Used each school term, the Menzies Minibus provides safe, reliable transport for TFTT participants across the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas. Its availability ensures young people can take part in all elements of the program, including:

• Trade Tasters – Delivered by Chisholm and Foresite Training Group, introducing participants to trades such as metal fabrication, electrical work, plumbing and horticulture through hands-on experience.
• Accredited Training – Providing qualifications in First Aid, White Card, Traffic Control and Food Handling.
• Skills for Work and Life – Covering résumé writing, interview techniques and individualised pathway planning.
• Health & Wellbeing – Incorporating physical activity, nutrition workshops and leadership sessions.
• Team Building and Industry Visits – Excursions to local employers such as Parks Victoria, Lite Engineering Industries Dandenong and IGA Supermarkets, strengthening community connection and career awareness.

Every journey on the Menzies Minibus contributes to more than just transport as it creates time for conversation, laughter and encouragement. These shared moments help young people feel part of something positive, reinforcing belonging and trust between participants and staff. For many, these experiences are just as meaningful as the training itself, setting the foundation for confidence, connection and a sense of community.

Contribution to Program Outcomes

The support provided by Menzies Youth Services through the minibus has directly contributed to TFTT’s remarkable outcomes, including:

• 58% Re-engagement in Education – Almost half of the participants reconnect with educational pathways, including vocational training and alternative education like VCAL.
• 13% Direct Employment – Securing employment in various fields, directly benefitting from hands-on experiences facilitated by the program.
• 3% Apprenticeships and 20% Further Training – Participants find pathways to long-term career growth through apprenticeships and additional training courses.

In 2025, the Menzies Minibus was essential in transporting 578 young people for The Salvation Army and Frankston City Council’s Youth Central programs. This transport service has enhanced engagement across youth programs, creating new avenues for participants to interact with community services and gain exposure to diverse industries and work environments.

Broader Social Impact

The minibus continues to play a vital role in strengthening TFTT’s connection with the community. By providing dependable transport to all parts of the program, it ensures young people can take part in learning, hands-on activities and local events that build confidence, belonging and purpose. This access helps remove barriers linked to youth disengagement and long-term unemployment, supporting young people to stay connected, develop resilience and contribute positively to their communities.

Recognition and Need for Ongoing Funding

The ongoing success of TFTT relies on essential resources such as the Menzies Minibus. Continued funding ensures young people can keep accessing opportunities that build confidence, connection and purpose. The partnership with Menzies Youth Services reflects the strength of community working together – supporting young people to thrive while creating positive flow-on benefits for families and the wider community.

Case Study – Term 3, 2025

Jordan*, 16 years old, was referred to the Tools For The Trade (TFTT) program after struggling to stay engaged in a traditional school setting that didn’t suit his learning style. He had expressed a strong interest in leaving mainstream schooling to pursue a hands-on trade pathway. Alongside these challenges, Jordan experiences anxiety and depression and lives with hip dysplasia as a result of a previous road accident. Despite this, he has shown determination and curiosity, particularly in practical learning environments where he feels more confident and capable. Jordan also values being part of an inclusive and welcoming space where his identity is respected and supported.

Through his involvement in TFTT, Jordan explored a variety of trade tasters and developed a strong interest in motor mechanics. Reliable transport provided through the Menzies Bus made it possible for him to fully participate in every session and industry visit, helping him build confidence and connect with new opportunities. Encouraged by his success, Jordan enrolled in the five-week “Handbrake Turn” course in Dandenong to further develop his automotive skills.

Jordan has since thrived in this hands-on environment and discovered a genuine passion for working with motorbikes. He hopes to build on the skills and confidence gained through both programs to pursue a career in the motor trades. His experience with TFTT has reignited his motivation, strengthened his wellbeing and provided a clear pathway towards a future doing what he loves.