The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victorians can continue to access the vital support services that help people reconnect with life-changing learning, training and job opportunities.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today welcomed the announcement from Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney that the Reconnect program will receive more than $48 million to extend the program for a further four years.

Delivered through TAFEs, Learn Locals and community service organisations across Victoria, the Reconnect program helps Victorians to overcome barriers to education, training and employment, and provides support into further study or employment pathways.

This includes fantastic local provider Djerriwarrh Community and Education

Services.

The program 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.

The tailored, one-on-one support services on offer include counselling, mentoring, housing support, education opportunities, health and wellbeing services, and foundation and employability skills.

Since the program began in 2016, Reconnect has supported thousands of people to transition into further study, complete pre-accredited and accredited training, and achieve sustainable employment.

Reconnect has delivered positive social and economic outcomes for participants and the wider community. Before engaging with the program, 92 per cent of participants were not in work or study. Six months after leaving the program, 89 per cent were in work or study.

All current providers will be invited to continue to deliver Reconnect services. To learn more about the Reconnect program, visit www.vic.gov.au/reconnect-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney

“The Reconnect program gives Victorians access to the vital support they need to get into training or a job, no matter their postcode, background or past experience.”

“Reconnect has been incredibly successful in supporting Victorians who need it most, which is why we are continuing to invest in this important program.”

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“We’re proud to back programs like Reconnect, which support people in our local community to build skills and find real opportunities in training and employment.”