The Andrews Labor Government will massively expand support for thousands of asylum seekers and refugees in Victoria to access crucial training so they can improve their lives.
Over the next two years, $15 million will be spent to open up the Asylum Seeker VET Program to 3000 asylum seekers and for the first time, to refugees with temporary protection visas.
Currently, the Government provides funding for around 300 eligible asylum seekers and exempts them from the usual citizenship criteria so they can undertake training each year.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) will refer asylum seekers and eligible refugees to do their training at Victorian TAFEs, private training providers and through the Learn Local network.
The ASRC will also provide additional support and professional development to training providers working with asylum seekers and refugees.
Customised language and literacy programs will be offered to participants to improve their reading and writing skills.
An Integrated VET Learning Plan will help them get real qualifications in the community where they live.
Victoria is currently home to around 11,000 asylum seekers and refugees with temporary protection visas living in the community.
Many of this group will soon transition to new visas which require them to work and study so that they can apply for further substantive visas.
The expanded Asylum Seeker VET program is just one of this Government’s initiatives helping people into training.
The Victorian Budget 2016/2017 included $20 million to help prepare Victoria’s vulnerable young people — who may have left school early or are facing long-term unemployment – for training and work.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“People come here looking for a fair go – and we’ll do everything in our power to give it to them.”
“We’re giving 3000 asylum seekers and refugees access to the training they need to get a proper job, to reach their ambitions and full potential so they can play a productive role in the Victorian workforce.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020