RECONNECT
A free support program helping locals reconnect with training, employment and life. It’s okay to seek help!
Ongoing support
Our Reconnect case workers provide a range of mentorship and support, including referrals to other support services based on participants’ needs, such as mental health and housing support.
Connection with community
We are here to help expand your social networks and connect you with the community and job readiness programs.
Personal planning and access to training
We work closely with participants to help identify circumstances, barriers and interests. From this, our Reconnect case workers provide access to programs and training, leading to employment and further study opportunities.
The Reconnect Program is a Victorian government-funded initiative to support people experiencing challenges such as unplanned unemployment.
Eligibility criteria apply.
Reconnect Eligibility
Young people: Australian citizen or resident aged between 17- 19 years and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
Young people impacted by justice system:Â Young Australian citizens or residents aged between 17 to 24 years, who have been, or are currently on, Youth Justice Orders.
Mature participants:Â Australian citizen or resident aged between 20-64 years: Unemployed for six months or more (less than eight hours per week) and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
Out-of-home care:Â Australian citizen or resident aged between 17-64: A person that has a current or previous experience with Child Protection.
Asylum seekers aged 17 – 64 , individuals or dependants of individuals who meet the following criteria:
- hold any humanitarian, protection of refugee visa in Australia; or
- have applied for a humanitarian, protection or refugee visa and hold a bridging visa for this purpose; or
- have made an application under s. 417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) which is yet to be determined and hold a bridging visa.
Individuals must have a visa with study rights, and work rights are required for programs that include work placement.
Other: If you don’t fit these criteria, please still enquire, as an exemption may be available. From time to time, the Department may approve the accommodation of additional target groups during the term of the program (for example, this may include groups such as people impacted by bushfires, COVID-19 or retrenched workers etc.). Currently, no additional groups have been added.
