Education and training

If you or someone you know is in care services or transitioning from care, there is a range of education and training supports available.

After you have finished secondary school, you can go on to TAFE or university. On this page you will find information about: 

• studying at TAFE and university 
• the Skills First Initiative 
• Free TAFE courses 
• getting support to get back into education
• the Skills and Jobs Centres.

There is an amazing variety of courses available; you just need to find the right one for you.

In-school support for young people in care

If you would like some support going to school or to get back into school, the following services are available to assist.

LOOKOUT Education Support Centres are designed support you and your education goals. They boost the capacity of the schools, carers, child protection practitioners and care services to support you. You should have a Learning Mentor who will help you stay connected to school. A Designated Teacher provides support and advocacy within the school. 

LOOKOUT Centres also work with Student Support Services and Koorie Engagement Support Officers.

Each of the four LOOKOUT Education Support Centres has a Careers Education Advisor.

The Navigator Program supports you or someone you know to return after a break to education and learning.

Post-school support for young people in care and transitioning from care – studying at TAFE and University

Raising Expectations supports young people transition from care to go onto TAFE and University. This program can support you to go onto TAFE and University. Its partner universities include:

• La Trobe University
• Federation University Australia
• Swinburne University of Technology 
• Victoria University.

Partner universities offer financial, academic and personal support to students with a care experience.

Raising Expectations also works with other Victorian TAFEs and universities.

Visit the Raising Expectations website for more information, send a message via the online enquiry form, or email hello@raisingexpectations.com.au.

If you want to study a TAFE course as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway to university, refer to the Skills First Initiative.

Free study at TAFE

Skills First Initiative

The Skills First Initiative supports young people transitioning from care, youth justice or youth foyer to access TAFE courses and support.

You must be 24 years or under and must:

• have been on a child protection order (at any time)
• have been on a youth justice order
• be a resident at an Education Youth Foyer.

Courses are listed on the Victorian Skills Gateway.

You may be able to study more than one course, provided the second course is at a higher level than the first course and you enrol before you turn 24.

When you enrol in vocational education through the Skills First Initiative you will be linked into care leaver services and supports at the TAFE or dual sector university.

For more information and a referral form visit Skills First Initiative, email Learners.Pathways@education.vic.gov.au or visit Raising Expectations.

Free TAFE

Free TAFE for priority courses offer training courses across Victoria for people aged 16 and older.

If you are eligible for the Skills First Initiative, you are encouraged to enrol in that initiative. Skills First offers a wider range of courses, students may be able to study more than one course and you should be linked into supports and services.

Free TAFE provides an option for students who are not eligible for the Skills First Initiative.

Other support programs

Skills First Reconnect

Skills First Reconnect provide a range of services to young people wanting to engage in education and employment. 

Skills First Reconnect can support you:

• if you are aged 17 to 19 and have been disengaged from education and training for over 6 months 
• if you are aged between 17 and 64 years, and have a current or previous experience with Child Protection
• If you are aged between 17 and 24, and have been or are currently on a Youth Justice Order
• mature participants aged between 20 and 64, unemployed or not engaged in education or training
• asylum seekers aged between 17 and 64 years, and in need of higher levels of support. 

Skills First Reconnect has providers across Victoria.

For more information about eligibility see Skills First Reconnect. 

Skills and Jobs Centres

Skills and Jobs Centres offer a range of free supports, advice and services on training and employment opportunities – including apprenticeships. These services are available to anyone. Centres are co-located with TAFEs or dual sector universities.