Louis, now 19, completed his TRACTION program back in 2019.

Louis shared that TRACTION arrived at a crucial point in his schooling years and provided direction when he needed it most. His love for hands-on learning found a perfect match in TRACTION's practical environment, and the skills he acquired there set him up for success in TAFE, his first job, and his pursuit of an apprenticeship as an electrician.

In Louis's own words, "I was never going to be the boy that was going to get my ATAR or great grades and go to uni. TRACTION got me ready to do TAFE in years 10 and 11. It set me up well for my next few years."

“Since coming to TRACTION I've socialised and gotten better with other people… Whenever I used to come to school, I dreaded it. I didn't enjoy the very first 10 minutes. It was always a shot of adrenaline and anxiety - I didn't want to go. But, when I went to TRACTION, on those days, it wasn't there... and now it's not here any day.”

“Before I started at TRACTION, I didn’t know how to ask for help. I’ve learnt here that I’ve got people around me who will help me and not judge me. Our mentor, Ben, has been really comforting and helpful. We could go up to him and ask him anything. TRACTION has also helped me as a person by boosting my confidence and self-esteem and helping me find out who I am by doing something I love – hands-on activities.”

“I’ve learnt to control my anger. The meditation helped me calm down. I liked the calmness and feeling the breeze. When I’m angry at home and school, I take 10 deep breaths.”

“I think the program was really good, not just the building and learning on the tools, but it was also super supportive mentally and emotionally, and because of that it made me feel really comfortable within the group.

I definitely think I’ve found a couple of strengths, like being able to open up to people that are genuinely going to be there for you... and of course the things with the bike.”

“The best thing about TRACTION is making something you can be proud of.”

“I’ve learnt to be responsible and not muck around, even if my friends do.”

“I’m a hands-on person. I have to be taught and showed how to do things… I can’t just listen and then do it. Thinking about my future, I think I’ll get a hands-on job because I think I’ll be better at it. TRACTION has helped me feel good about myself. I don’t have to stay back and not try new things. That’s what TRACTION has taught me – to try new things and have fun.”

Dacee wasn't interested in school before TRACTION, but after starting the program, she found a reason to get up for school each day. Through TRACTION, Dacee discovered how truly capable she is and developed a newfound interest in school and out-of-school activities.

Lucy, a Youth Support Worker at Pimpama State Secondary College, noticed that Dacee became more assertive and confident in herself since completing TRACTION - a change she credits to the authenticity of TRACTION mentors and the program's focus on teamwork and building relationships.