More Support For Early School Leavers In Mildura

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Mildura locals to access training, with a funding boost of $330,000 for SuniTAFE from the Reconnect Program.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 included $20 million for the Reconnect Program to support young people who left school early or who are long-term unemployed to prepare for training and work.

SuniTAFE will use its funding to work with around 50 young people to re-engage them with training. The Institute will work with Learn Local organisations and community organisations in the region to provide the students with mentoring and career advice.

The training will have a focus on conservation and land management – in line with the region’s skills shortage in agriculture and horticulture. The program will give the students practical skills and experience aimed at improving their employability prospects.

The Labor Government is helping those who have left school early or are long term unemployed to reconnect with training.

Industry involvement in training is vital for growing Victoria’s skilled workforce and for making sure that training meets industry needs.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 also includes $14 million to boost industry involvement with the training sector.

This Government is focused on linking jobs with industry and workforce needs and this funding will allow that to happen.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“Too many young Victorians are dropping out of school and not going into the workforce or into training. This $20 million injection of funds will help address that alarming situation.”

“We’re helping early school leavers in Mildura and surrounds to take a step forward to get back into training, education and into a job.”