The Ballarat Magistrates' Court was told the man, who pleaded guilty, had begun working at the Ballarat business in August last year.

Between then and February, he stole about $10,000 worth of power tools, and sold them through social media groups and Gumtree.

He used the money to pay for his addiction to methamphetamine.

He was confronted about the thefts by his employer in February and fired.

The man made full admissions to stealing the tools in a police interview.

His defence lawyer said he had strong family support, with his parents in court, and was engaged in counselling and drug treatment programs.

Magistrate Julie Granger said the man had strong prospects for rehabilitation, and took into account his youth and early plea.

She sentenced him to a two-year adjourned undertaking, without conviction.

He will have to be of good behaviour, comply with his GP and medication, continue to engage in counselling, and provide the court with written confirmation.

He will also have two years to pay the business back the $10,000.

"I'm giving you every opportunity to go back into society, I hope you grasp it with both hands," she said.

"In my decision today, my primary purpose is treatment and rehabilitation, you've already gone a good way down that path.

"You've got really good prospects to finish your education, get work, and live a positive life and make a contribution to society."

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