BACKGROUND

Connectus began as an initiative of Premier Bracks’ Drug Prevention Council in 2003, aimed at preventing problematic drug and alcohol use by re-engaging young people with employment, education and training opportunities.  Connectus is a unique prevention and early intervention program that trains and supports young people to be job ready for entry-level positions or to re-engage with education or training.

Between 2003 – 2007, Connectus was funded by the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council (PDPC) and auspiced by VicHealth. During this time, thirteen projects were delivered to 147 young people; 80% of those young people have been placed into employment, training or returned to education.

In May 2007, Connectus was brought under the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, Workforce Participation.  The program now funds, trains and supports targeted community agencies to deliver Connectus projects in their local areas. 

CONNECTUS - THE NEW APPROACH 2007-2008

In 2006, an evaluation of Connectus was undertaken by Victoria University, School of Education highlighting the need for a new community based model.  Key findings from the evaluation along with experience of the Workforce Participation projects form the basis for this new model, ‘Connectus - The New Approach’.

Community agencies will lead this New Approach in partnership with industry, unions and other stakeholders, utilising and maximising local resources and networks.

Community agencies will be funded in three regions to deliver the Connectus model.  Each lead agency will be responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of:

• Four weeks of life and employability skills training;
• Placement into employment, education or accredited training targeting industries facing existing and predicted skill shortages; and
• 11 months mentoring.

A Connectus “Provider Training” will be facilitated for agencies delivering the program to ensure they understand core Connectus philosophies and that they have the tools to facilitate the curriculum.  The Provider Training will run like a “Train the Trainer”.

Lead community agencies have been selected on the basis of having strong industry and community linkages as well as the ability to link into a range of support services.  Project locations have been identified to meet regional needs with the following characteristics:

• High youth unemployment;
• Skill shortages; and
• Issues of poor school retention.

VALUES

The values that underpin Connectus and the way staff, young people and stakeholders are expected to engage with the program and each other include:

	Advocacy:  In a society where division and injustice exist, Connectus Providers will advocate for the needs of young people as individuals and as a group of people to ensure a just and fair society.
	Integrity:  Connectus Providers and stakeholders will live out the vision of Connectus adopting a client centred approach that respects individuality and difference.
	Team Work:  Connectus Providers will foster a spirit of belonging, community, cooperation and active participation in the delivery of all its activities.
	Empowerment:  Connectus Providers will at all times nurture others so that they have the confidence and self determination to make choices and achieve their personal goals and social and economic independence.
	Fun:  Connectus Providers and stakeholders will ensure that all activities are delivered in a manner that promotes learning in an enjoyable, engaging and safe environment.

TARGET GROUP

Connectus targets young people between the ages of 16-21 who are experiencing two or more of the following primary risk indicators:

	Truancy
	Attending but disengaged from school
	Poor academic performance
	Low level literacy and numeracy skills
	No intention or interest in completing secondary studies
	Having current intervention from Student Welfare or MIPS Coordinators
	Not competitive in the labour market
	Currently registered with an employment agency
	Requiring assistance and support with the transition from education to employment
	Requiring assistance with exploration and pursuit of employment and alternative education options
	Not at school and unemployed
	Low self esteem and confidence

WHO REFERS YOUNG PEOPLE

Historically, young people who fit into the target group have been referred to Connectus from the following organisations:

	Centrelink;
	Community Organisations;
	Local Community Partnership Providers;
	Local Government Youth Services;
	Local Learning Employment Networks;
	Job Network Providers;
	Jobs Pathways Programs;
	Job Placement Employment and Training providers;
	Operation New Start; and
	Secondary Schools.