The Victorian Government has partnered with the Commonwealth Government to expand Literacy and Numeracy Support in the Victorian TAFE Network and through specific community providers by supporting an additional 8,000 co-enrolments per year. This will provide more Victorians across the state with flexibility and access to foundational skills training to help them succeed in work and life.
The extension of the Reconnect program delivered through TAFEs, Learn Locals and community service organisations helps Victorians overcome barriers preventing them from engaging in education and training and provides support into further study or employment pathways. The program helps early school leavers, people experiencing long-term unemployment, asylum seekers, young people impacted by the justice system, and people with experience of out-of-home care access support services covering foundation and non-technical skills, education opportunities, health and wellbeing, and housing support. In 2024, the program supported 1,292 people facing multiple economic and social barriers to engage in education, training and employment.
The Victorian Government has also extended the Asylum Seeker VET (ASVET) and Raising Expectations programs.
Delivered in partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, ASVET provides access to a range of wrap-around support services and government-funded training for people seeking asylum who have been granted temporary residence. In 2024, the program helped 438 people seeking asylum to build skills, participate in the workforce and contribute to the community more broadly.
A joint initiative between the Commonwealth Government and Victorian Government, the Raising Expectations program provides tailored support, peer mentoring and scholarships to young people with an out-of-home care experience so they can participate and succeed in training. It is delivered by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare in partnership with TAFEs and universities. In 2024, it supported 1,246 young people who were in out-of-home care to participate in education and training.
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