About Reconnect

The Reconnect program at Prace provides individual support to plan a return to education, training and employment. Reconnect Case Workers conduct a holistic assessment of individual circumstances, discuss goals and aspirations, provide career advice and guidance, as well as assist with all aspects of enrolment into accredited training.

The Reconnect program provides participants with:

• Individual support to plan career pathways, with face-to-face meetings conducted close to 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

Prace delivers the Reconnect Program in the City of Darebin, Whittlesea, Banyule, Nillumbik, Merri-bek and Mitchell (Wallan, Beveridge and Kilmore).

Who is eligible:

• 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) 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).

*Those who do not meet the new Reconnect eligibility criteria may be eligible for an exemption (at the discretion of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions).

Case Study

Amanda*, aged 22, was referred to Reconnect by her local Council youth service. She had been unemployed for two years, and had not undertaken any training since leaving school in Year 11. Amanda struggled with anxiety and depression for twelve months, but felt that returning to education would be a move in the right direction for her. In exploring her goals, Amanda discussed an interest in hospitality and tourism, and hoped to find employment in a bar or restaurant. Her Reconnect Case Worker explored options around this, with Amanda deciding to undertake a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, which included specialist barista training, Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate and a work experience component at a local café. Through this time, Amanda continued to meet regularly with her Case Worker, who also linked her in with a housing service when her living arrangements became unstable. Amanda applied for work at a café soon after her course ended, and was successful in gaining casual employment. In the months since exiting Reconnect, Amanda went on to obtain employment in a hotel, where she continues to work whilst also undertaking further training around business management.

*name changed

Find out more

For more information or to discuss your eligibility, call or SMS Adriana on 0457 892 893 or email apugliese@prace.vic.edu.au

Download the Reconnect flyer

The Reconnect program at Prace is supported by the Victorian Government.