The Skills First Reconnect program has been running for 18 months, and will continue to be funded through to 2019. It caters for both recent school leavers and the long-term unemployed. 

Staff members allocate funds within the program to assist students to engage with education or employment in the future.

The funds can be used for practical needs, such as work boots, phone credit and administrative costs, or to pay for specific training courses. 

FedUni teacher and social worker Philippa Cane said the program did important work rebuilding the confidence of clients.

“It’s a wrap around case management service, each young person is individually supported,” she said. 

“For some young people it might be just job education and training goals, for other people the barriers might be anxiety, mental health or family issues.”

“Each person gets a specific case manager, so it’s about positive role-modelling too.

“We do a lot of work with parents too about how they can support their young person, because it can be a whole family who is experiencing a bit of chaos.”

The Reconnect program has now outgrown its roots, with service provisions being made in a number of shires including Hepburn, Moorabool and Central Goldfields.

At the launch yesterday, Skills and Training Minister Gayle Tierney said it was critical to keep young people in regional Victoria engaged. 

“This program is one of the most successful in the state, primarily because the staff put in an enormous amount of work,” she said.

“They are there to encourage and support those who are disengaged in our communities to just keep that steady path. 

“There are 140 young people that are wanting to be involved in reconnecting and this program is tailor-made.”

FedUni is one of 27 Learn Locals and TAFESs receiving a share of $19.8 million in funding to assist early school leavers and long-term unemployed to return to education.