Traralgon College has received a $17,000 grant to enable Year 11 and 12 students to receive automotive training and work towards raising funds to help young people with cancer at the same time.

Housing Minister Candy Broad recently met the college students, teachers, police and community members to inspect the car being prepared as an entrant in the Camp Quality esCarpade and to confirm the $17,000 grant under the Government's innovative Neighbourhood Renewal project.

The annual esCarpade is a major fundraiser for Camp Quality, a not-for-profit organisation that organises recreational camps and activities for children living with cancer and their families.

EsCarpade 2006 will start in Shepparton and finish in Dubbo six days later.

In addition to support from Neighbourhood Renewal, Victoria Police have provided a member to work with the students each week to plan the event and work on the vehicle.

The Victoria Police Youth Resource Officer involved will also travel with the team on the esCarpade.

The students also have the support of many Traralgon businesses and have augmented their fundraising efforts with community car washes, sausage sizzles and a walkathon.