ACE-Trax
The ACE-Trax Resource Kit is for Learn Local practitioners interested in working with offenders to develop their vocational skills and improve their prospects of meaningful employment.
It is based on the lessons learned by Learn Local organisations who worked with the Community Correctional Services branch of Corrections Victoria to pilot an education and training program for offenders serving non-custodial orders.
ACE-Trax kit
The kit contains- a step-by-step guide to running a training program or service for offenders - ACE-trax Manual (PDF 2.7 MB)
- a range of supporting templates and tools
- sample schedules - ACE-trax schedules (DOC 332 KB).
For a copy of the DVDs or a hard copy of the ACE-Trax booklet please contact the Upper Yarra Community House.
ACE-Trax case study
This project was a joint project between Corrections Victoria, a Koorie community school and a Learn Local organisation. It was a program for Indigenous people and included making artefacts, developing woodworking skills, learning about Indigenous culture and improving literacy and numeracy.
The participants worked in the woodwork room of a community school every Saturday, and worked through the Certificate in Learning Pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. One teacher taught woodworking skills, while another provided literacy and numeracy support. The Indigenous Community Corrections Officer was central to the project because of his local connections in the Indigenous community. He also supervised the requirements of Community Based Orders which the participants were completing.
A non-threatening, purposeful and positive environment was created even though the students were on Community Based Orders. The program became an official community work site.
During the project several hundred artefacts were created including boomerangs, spears, key tags, name badges and two didgeridoos. Some items were donated to the community school for use by the children in art and cultural programs. The community school principal has commented on the fact that vandalism at the school has been significantly reduced since the program began. The participants took pride in their work area and have also become involved in other tasks around the school, such as gardening. The practical ways participants have been able to give back to the Koorie community have been important for all involved.