Reconnect at Prace
The Reconnect program provides participants with one-to-one support to plan a return to education, training and employment. You will identify and set goals, make plans and receive guidance as you start your journey.
Support to achieve your goals
Reconnect is designed for people experiencing barriers to planning a return to education, training or employment. Challenges such as a lack of confidence, financial stress, housing insecurity, living with disability or trouble navigating administrative tasks.
Participants in the program are assigned a Case Worker who can assess their circumstances, discuss goals and aspirations, provide career advice, and assist with preparing for and enrolling in accredited training or applying for jobs.
The Reconnect program is tailored to your individual needs and includes:
- Support to plan career pathways, with face-to-face meetings conducted close to your home
- An exploration of the challenges associated with a return to study or employment and access to the support needed
- Referral to external services, such as health care, financial or legal services
- Assistance to navigate course options, training providers, and all stages of course enrolment
- Financial assistance to assist with training and employment-related expenses
- Once enrolled in training or employed, guidance and support to remain engaged
Case Study
Meet Amanda
Amanda (name changed) was 22 when her local Council youth service referred her to Reconnect. She left school in year 11 and had been unemployed for two years. She struggled with anxiety and depression and felt that studying would help her move forward.
After joining Reconnect, Amanda was assigned a Case Worker. They discussed her goals and Amanda expressed an interest in hospitality and tourism, and that she hoped to find employment in a bar or restaurant. Together they explored her options, and Amanda decided to undertake a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways.
Amanda met regularly with her Case Worker while she studied. When her living arrangements became unstable, her Case Worker her in with a housing service. After finishing her course, Amanda found work at a café and completed her Reconnect program. She went on to obtain employment in a hotel, where she continues to work while undertaking further training in business management.
Who is Reconnect for?
Eligibility
- Young people aged 17-19 years and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (engaged less than 8 hours per week). Young people aged 17 must be exited from school.
- Mature participants aged 20-64 years; who have been unemployed for six months or more (working less than 8 hours per week) and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (engaged less than 8 hours per week).
- Young people aged 17-24 years who have been, or are currently on, Youth Justice Orders.
- Those aged 17-64 years and who have a current or previous experience with Child Protection.
Asylum Seekers aged 17 – 64 years (including individuals or dependants of individuals) can access the program if they 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).
If you don’t meet the Reconnect eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for an exemption (at the discretion of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions).
About Reconnect at Prace
Prace has delivered the Reconnect program in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor for over 8 years. We work with people who live in the City of Darebin, Whittlesea, Hume, Merri-bek and Mitchell (Wallan, Beveridge and Kilmore).
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to join the Reconnect program. However, you are required to attend meetings with your Case Worker and engage in setting goals for finding employment or undertaking education and training.
Joining the program
For more information or, to check your eligibility, contact the Reconnect intake officer by phone 9462 6077 oremail intake@prace.vic.edu.au
The Reconnect program at Prace is supported by the Victorian Government.