Two institutes in the City of Casey will be delivering the State Government’s Reconnect Program, aimed at ensuring every Victorian has access to learning and training opportunities to get a job.
Chisholm Institute, as well as the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA), will be delivering the program in Casey, both pledging one-on-one support in order to assist high-needs learners in the local community.
The minister for skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, announced on Wednesday, 3 September, a $48 million investment to extend the Reconnect Program for an additional four years.
“We’re making sure Victorians can get the support they need to get into training or a job, no matter their postcode, background or past experience,” she said.
The program, which is delivered through TAFEs, Learn Locals, and community service organisations across Victoria, aims to help Victorians to overcome the barriers to education, training and employment, also providing support for further study or employment pathways.
The Reconnect Program itself is designed for people who are not engaged in education, employment, or training.
This includes early school leavers, people experiencing long-term unemployment, asylum seekers, young people impacted by the justice system, and people with current or previous experience in out-of-home care.
“Reconnect has been incredibly useful in supporting Victorians who need it most, which is why we are continuing to invest in this important program,” Tierney said.
The AVWA runs the Skills First Reconnect Program, aimed at persons aged 17-64 years old, and with the same ultimate goal of re-engaging with education or employment.
Chisholm runs with four key elements, which are: engagement; learner wrap-around supports; education, training and employment; and pathways.
Reconnect began in 2016 and has been effective in supporting people to transition into further study, to complete pre-accredited and accredited training, and achieve sustainable employment.
For more information on the Reconnect Program, visit www.vic.gov.au/reconnect-program
