15 Nov 2017 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Jobseekers in Benalla will now have more access to training and support thanks to $455 280 from the State Governments Skills First Reconnect Grants program. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the Centre for Continuing Education in Wangaratta would receive the funding to assist the regions unemployed find work. The Centres Skills First Reconnect program will support 60 people, including early school leavers and those who are longterm unemployed. The program recognises that some participants may be facing challenges and barriers to training and employment, such as alcohol, drug, domestic violence and mental health issues. Participants will receive oneon-one support through a dedicated and qualified case manager, as well as access to counselling services through partner organisations, interpersonal skills development, and training and work skills development programs. The programs aim is to help people build confidence, work readiness, numeracy, literacy and digital literacy skills. Upon completion participants will be supported to undertake further education, work experience placements and employment opportunities. The Andrews Labor Government is helping Northern Victorias early school leavers and the long-term unemployed access the education and training they need to get a job, Ms Symes said. Labor is making sure country Victorians get the support they need to access training that leads to employment. The Skills First Reconnect program is an extension to the Back to Work Reconnect grant program that was funded in 2016 and established in response to a decline in the number of young, early school leavers enrolling in vocational education and training. The Skills First Reconnect program will expand eligibility to support high-need learners aged between 17 and 64 years with low levels of prior educational attainment. Through Skills First, the State Government is overhauling Victorias training and TAFE system, guaranteeing funding to secure the future of TAFE and making sure Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.