How police are reducing youth crime by mentoring youngsters

As they say, school isn't for everyone.

Sitting courtside with 16-year-old Awad, the teenager doesn't take himself too seriously.

He never imagined himself "playing ball" with police, let alone being grateful to them for helping him stay out of trouble.

READ MORE: Australian program run by police teaching at-risk teens life skills

But this self-confessed comedian admits he had all but lost his way.

"They sort of brainwash every kid to think that if you drop out, you're going to be a dropkick, you're not going to have a successful life and that, like I have dropped out now and I am going to prove them wrong and stuff," Awad told A Current Affair.

Awad and his mate Carlo both signed up to something far more rewarding when they agreed to take part in the Fit For Work program.

READ MORE: Why this Aussie teen swapped Year 12 for video games

For more than a decade, Acting Sergeant Danny Kidd has devoted his career to reducing youth crime by mentoring youngsters.

"I am very passionate about helping young people from all types of cultures and diversity, it's something I have done for a long time. If I can help my kids, why can't I help any other young person?" Acting Sergeant Kidd said.

From mock job interviews to their fitness, they're put through their paces with hands-on activities to get them ready for the workforce.

READ MORE: Teen punk undergoes A Current Affair makeover after struggling to find a job

"Jobs are hard to come by these days, especially for young people who have got no experience."

By year 10, Carlo and Awad are now skilled up as apprentice plumbers.

It's a long way from the school classroom but the boys are learning more than they could have ever imagined, being taught basic life skills to give them a future.

"They taught us everything for the real world, they taught me more than school," Awad said.

The 10-week program is designed to catch disengaged youngsters and guide them back on track towards education and workplace opportunities.

The early intervention strategy is a joint project between New South Wales Police, the PCYC and industry leaders.

Michelle Stanford of Axis Plumbing said more than ever, it's important to create jobs for young people.

"We've got a skills shortage, we don't want to be bringing people in from overseas, we want to be giving our Australian kids the opportunity achieving these apprenticeships," Ms Stanford said.

The company currently has 18 apprentices who all start out doing unpaid work experience through the RiseUp initiative.

"With 20 per cent unemployment at the moment with children and with young people, if they prove themselves, they come in on time, they commit, they try, well then the sky is the limit," Ms Stanford said.

As Awad and Carlo graduate, nobody is more proud of them than themselves.

"At the end of the day, one day you're going to have a family you know, you're going to have to take care of them. If (I) get caught up with police this and that, I am going to lose my job," Awad said.

For more information on RiseUp visit: https://www.riseup.org.au