The Reconnect program is driven largely by support and encouragement. Once eligibility has been confirmed, participants can expect to:

• Have their learning and non-learning needs and career goals assessed, and an agreed learning plan developed
• Receive support to commence and stay in vocational education and training at a provider that best suits thier needs
• Be able to access supervised workplace experience to increase their employability, and
• Receive ongoing support as they transition to employment or further training
• ​Receive some assistance towards fees for an agreed accredited course

Learners referred to Skills First Reconnect must:

• Young people aged between 17- 19 years not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
• Mature participants aged between 20-64 years; Unemployed for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week) and not engaged in education or training for six months or more (less than 8 hours per week).
• Young people (17 to 24 years of age) who have been, or are currently on, Youth Justice Orders.
• Out of Home Care: Aged 17-64: A person that has a current or previous experience with Child Protection.
• Asylum Seekers aged 17 – 64:
  • Individuals or dependants of individuals who meet the following criteria:
    • Hold any humanitarian, protection of refugee visa in Australia; or
    • Have applied for a humanitarian, protection or refugee visa and hold a bridging visa for this purpose; or
    • Have made an application under s.417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) which is yet to be determined and hold a bridging visa.
  • (Individuals must have a visa with study rights, and work rights are required for programs that include work placement).

• Parents returning to work
• Indigenous Australians
• People with a disability
• People with low literacy and numeracy
• People involved in the Justice System
• Young mothers
• ​Highly marginalised groups such as drug and alcohol dependants or homeless