19 May 2016 Waranga News, Melbourne (General News) Northern Victoria residents will have better access to formal training, with a State government funding boost of more than $1.2 million for Wodonga TAFE and GOTAFE in Benalla, Seymour and Wangaratta. The recent State Budget included $20 million for the Reconnect Program to support young people who left school early or who are long-term unemployed prepare for training and work. GOTAFE will receive $785,000 to work with around 120 disadvantaged young people to get them ready to start a TAFE course and to eventually move into employment. GOTAFE will deliver the program in Benalla, Seymour and Wangaratta to make sure locals in those regions have every chance possible to get the training they need to gain employment, Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said. Wodonga TAFE will use its $480,000 to partner with a number of local organisations to support around 60 young people to reengage with training and employment. The money will help break down the barriers stopping early school leavers from accessing training. Often young people lack the confidence and skills to get into formal training, and this extra funding will make sure there is support in place so vulnerable young people can improve their lives, Ms Symes said. The program is desugned to address disadvantage and promote equity, helping those who have left school early or are long term unemployed to reconnect with training.