What is ReConnect Ballarat?
The Reconnect program strives to support Victorians experiencing disadvantage. The program assists participants to overcome the barriers preventing them from engaging in education and training and provides support into further study or employment pathways.
Reconnect is a Victorian Government Initiative being delivered by BGT and Federation University focussing on increasing access and equity for those aged between 17-64 to participate in education and training, or to gain employment.
Reconnect supports participants to access an individualised wraparound service to address non-vocational barriers and to increase participants capacity to successfully achieve their vocational aspirations. Participants develop employability skills and capabilities to participate and succeed in their chosen education and training pathways.
This flexible support program is designed for people keen to explore study and training options or kick start a career but are unsure where to start. Participants will be assisted to identify future goals, steps to work towards them, addressing any challenges and skill gaps, whilst building resilience and confidence to chase their dreams.
If you are interested in being involved, please create a referral. Likewise, you can be referred by family, friends or relevant community agencies including schools.
Am I eligible?
The Reconnect program delivered by BGT and Federation University is available to 17 to 64 year olds living in the areas of Ballarat, Hepburn, Golden Plains, Moorabool, Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiak, Northern Grampians, Ararat and Pyrenees Shire.
To be eligible, you need to meet the following criteria:
Young People
Aged between 17- 19 years:
not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
Out of Home Care
Aged 17-64:
A person that has a current or previous experience with Child Protection.
Mature Participants
Aged between 20-64 years: Unemployed for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week) and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
Young People Impacted by the Justice System
Young people (17 to 24 years of age) who have been, or are currently on, Youth Justice Orders.
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).
How will ReConnect help me?
Our teams will work with you to identify your individual needs and help you achieve your goals. These could be to assist in overcoming the barriers preventing you from enrolling or succeeding in formal training or employment. It could be to support you in completing an accredited course and using work placements to increase your employability. Whatever your situation we’re focused on helping you transition to further training or employment.
We have broken it down into three simple steps:
- Get help – to know where to start
- Get support – someone to help you and guide you all the way so you aren’t doing it alone
- Get training – having recognised skills will help you to get a job and get paid
