The eight-week program has involved a group of four young lads heading up to Geoff Nichols Engines&Mechanical at Maison Duei on Thursday afternoons.

Under the watchful eye of mechanic, Mark Paplauskas, the eager participants have been shown a thing or two about the trade.

Working safely was a priority and the four boys aged between 13-17 years were required to attain their white cards.

Mr Paplauskas says they have ended up preparing two cars.

“The first one I showed them how do it  and then with the second, I let them loose,” he says.

It is the second car that will be in action at the demolition derby on Saturday night with the experienced, Kevin Gardner behind the wheel.

Senior Constable Lorraine Upward says it is a great program for young people interested in mechanics and helps them get some work experience.

“I ran this program successfully in Muswellbrook a few years ago and thought it would do well here too,” she explains.

“This group were a bit quiet to start with but are now quite boisterous.”

Ms Upward says they all have tickets to go and watch the derby. 

“We would like to thank the guys here at Geoff Nichols Engines & Mechanical for volunteering their time and letting us conduct the program here.”