Skills for school dropouts

YOUNG people in the south-east who left school early are getting a leg-up into education.
Chisholm Institute received $900,000 in the 2016-’17 State Budget to reach out to youths in Dandenong, Pakenham, Narre Warren and Frankston who have disconnected from formal education.
The cash came from the State Government’s Reconnect Program, aimed at preparing young people who left school early or the long-term unemployed for training and work.
“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,” Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert said.
Chisholm will employ outreach staff to work with other community groups, support services and local government.
Students will have individual learning plans and achievement goals set, and staff will use resources and a network of supports.
The number of early school leavers in the Greater Dandenong area not in the labour force, employment or training sits above the state average at 7.4 per cent.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the money for Chisholm would help to break down the barriers stopping early school leavers from accessing training.