Objective:
- To support young people with care or youth justice experience and those in Education First Youth Foyers to access vocational education and training.
- To break the link between disadvantage and poor educational/training outcomes by supporting at-risk learners to stay in education/training and reach their potential.
- To improve awareness, access, and involvement in vocational education and training by waiving tuition fees for eligible young people under the Skills First initiative.
Target Beneficiaries:
- Young people aged 24 years or under.
- Those on child protection orders or youth justice orders (not currently in custody).
- Participants in the Children's Court Youth Diversion Service.
- Young people part of the Unaccompanied Minor Humanitarian program.
- Residents of Victorian Education First Youth Foyers.
- Must be eligible for Skills First government-subsidised training (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen).
Application Process:
- Check eligibility based on criteria.
- Complete the Youth Access Initiative Referral Form.
- Submit the referral form to a Skills First training provider offering the YAI tuition fee waiver.
- Discuss training interests and options with the provider.
- Contact TAFE and Training Line for assistance if needed.
Key Features:
- Tuition fees waived for eligible young people under Skills First.
- Wide range of subsidised vocational education and training courses available.
- Training providers include TAFEs and select Learn Local registered training organisations.
- External support programs linked with YAI include:
- Reconnect Program: Provides counselling, mentoring, housing referrals, mental health support, foundation and employability skills, and career advice.
- Raising Expectations Program: Offers bursaries, scholarships, tailored student supports, referrals, and peer mentoring for care leavers.
- Alignment with the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan to support Koorie young people.
- Additional financial help options and exemptions available for those not eligible.
- Contact points: TAFE and Training Line (phone 13 18 23, email tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au).
This initiative is ongoing and aims to create equitable access to education and training for disadvantaged youth, fostering better life opportunities through skill development and support services.
