Weld to Life a bright path

Youth lacking encouragement and drive for a better future are finding success through the Rockingham Police and Community Youth Centre’s Weld to Life program.

For 16-year-old Bowie Butler, of Port Kennedy, success has come in the form of full-time employment at East Rockingham’s Enduraclad International.

“I love jumping on the welder and being proud of my work,” he said.

“Working here has been a great experience — I’ve gained new skills and it’s been a great opportunity to start in the workforce.”

Managing director Jason Kell said he hired Bowie in May because he showed potential.

“Handling low-skill welding, Bowie quickly showed aptitude to take on other tasks around the workshop,” he said.

“Weld to Life gave Bowie the hands-on experience necessary to transition into my workshop.”

Mr Kell said in a recent 10-man project, Bowie out-performed experienced welders, proving the common misconception about youth was incorrect.

“They are good workers and are not too young to have skills,” he said.

Bowie said the recognition made him feel worthwhile and proved he could step away from the bad path he had once ventured on.

He said his parents had been through a rough patch in Year 8, which sent him on a path of destruction, resulting in his expulsion from his first school.

After attending South Metropolitan Youth Link in Year 10, Bowie found direction and the chance to make a change.

He was introduced to Weld To Life, obtained his Certificate I in Engineering, then went on to TAFE and gained his Certificate II in Construction.

Bowie admitted some of the people he mixed with in Year 8 and 9 had dealings with the police and his behaviour had landed him with suspension, but he was grateful for the chance to change his future.