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Supporting early school leavers with the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative (VELCI)

At TAFE Gippsland, we’re committed to helping young people find their path to success. Through the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative (VELCI), we provide essential support for early school leavers to stay engaged in education, training and employment, setting them up for a bright future.

What is VELCI?

The Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative is a $91 million investment by the Victorian Government designed to support young people who transition out of school before completing Year 12. This initiative provides career guidance, mentoring, and access to pathways that support students in completing a Year 12 or equivalent qualification through TAFE and other education providers.

How our Skills and Jobs Centre team can help

Victoria’s Skills and Jobs Centres play a key role in the VELCI program by providing career advice, mentoring and tailored support for early school leavers.

From Term 1 2025, our Skills and Jobs Centre team will be working closely with our Senior Secondary Pathways Advisors to offer a new Career Advice Service for early school leavers to connect with the support they need.

Pathways and support services

Through VELCI, we help young people:

  • Access career guidance to explore study and work opportunities
  • Receive mentoring and transition support to navigate their next steps
  • Connect with training programs to complete Year 12 or equivalent qualifications
  • Get referred to additional support services based on individual needs.

Schools and referral process

Government schools are encouraged to refer early school leavers to the Career Advice Service as part of the school exemption process. Schools can expect outreach from our team to discuss how we can support students who are transitioning out of school.

More information

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative, contact our Skills and Jobs Centre team today:

Visit us: Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre
Email: skillsjc@tafegippsland.edu.au
Call: 1300 282 317