fiXit – the automotive social enterprise making a difference.
Creating positive futures through employment
fiXit is an innovative social enterprise established by Concern Australia in 2021 to create positive change for young people and their families.
Providing Employment to Young People
We provide entry-level jobs in a supportive environment from which young people can progress to employment and apprenticeships in automotive and other industries. Since its inception, fiXit has employed more than 40 young people, and their goals and feedback has helped design the pathway we offer. This includes a range of activities, so young people have an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge and learn how to successfully navigate the workplace.
The first step is to complete the Hand Brake Turn course, which provides basic automotive education and also begins to explore possibilities for the future. We recognise that for young people who have missed significant periods of education, there may be additional challenges in connecting to sustainable employment, but we know that with the right support and opportunity these can be overcome.
We partner with supportive employers who provide opportunities after fiXit and we provide ongoing support and referral to young people to address barriers which prevent them from sustaining employment in the long term. This can include helping with tools, uniforms and continued support as they become established in their new employment.
As well as automotive mechanics, young people gain experience which enables them to consider careers in customer service, transport, logistics, gardening, construction and more. For young people interested in finding out more, please contact Concern Australia’s Hand Brake Turn team.
The fiXit Business Model
fiXit generates income through receiving donated cars from the community and repurposing them. This may be through realising the value of the donation through facilitating a resale or use as a training vehicle. You can learn more about donating your car here. All profits from donated cars are used to operate fiXit and fund the wages of young people.
Along with our Hand Brake Turn team, we also provide automotive education to the wider metro Melbourne community through our mobile workshops.
Philanthropic and Pro Bono Support
fiXit also receives generous support from philanthropic and government partners, including:
Creating Positive Futures:
What is the Impact of fiXit?
Since its inception in 2021, fiXit has seen:
40+
Young people employed as fiXit trainees
100%
Income generated is reinvested into fiXit
500+
Cars donated and repurposed, creating positive environmental impact
Donate more than cars!
As well as donating vehicles to the fiXit program, you can also donate money, tools, bicycles and scooters or even your time. To donate tools and time, contact us on 03 9470 2972. or email us fixit@concernaustralia.org.au
Sponsor a young person
All proceeds from fiXit are reinvested to create employment pathways for young people. With additional sponsorship, we can increase the number of young people we support and the training and material help we provide to them.
Sponsorship can help provide tools, uniform and certification which set young people up for long-term success.
To sponsor a young person, contact us on 03 9470 2972. or email us fixit@concernaustralia.org.au
You can also donate on the Concern Australia website
Ways to volunteer for fiXit
There are lots of ways volunteers can support fiXit, including:
To volunteer, contact us on 03 9470 2972. or email us fixit@concernaustralia.org.au
