The State Government has expanded its unique program for asylum seekers and refugees, allowing more new arrivals to access free and subsidised skills and training to help them build happy and healthy lives in Victoria.
Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney announced the expanded eligibility criteria for the Asylum Seeker VET and Reconnect programs on Thursday 17 February.
“Education changes lives and that’s why we’re making sure more asylum seekers and refugees have the chance to rebuild their lives in Victoria through Free TAFE and training, resettlement programs and wrap-around supports,” Ms Tierney said
“We’ve already successfully helped thousands of asylum seekers and refugees into training and job pathways – and we’ll continue doing what we can to help new arrivals feel welcome and happy in their new home.”
The new criteria allow Temporary Humanitarian Stay (449) visa holders to access Free TAFE, subsidised training and other support services.
The program means people who have been forced to flee their home due to war, victims of human trafficking, forced marriage and slavery-like offences, and those from other circumstances can find a meaningful career in industries like hospitality, health and aged care, education and more.
There are about 1,821 people on Temporary Humanitarian Stay (449) visas in Victoria, including recent arrivals from Afghanistan.
Training is key to the settling process, in addition to settling services provided by AMES Australia, including quarantine assistance, housing, healthcare and more.
The Asylum Seeker VET program has helped nearly 5,400 people into training at TAFEs, registered training organisations and learn local in skills first courses and other supported training.
The reconnect program helps about 1,700 people each year by providing wrap-around supports including foundation skills, employment assistance and career counselling.
