CONNECTUS PHASES STAGES

An overview of the phases and stages of Connectus highlights the methodological and operational challenges of the four year pilot program. These phases have taken place as a result of the continual review and evolution of the program in response to learnings. The Connectus program has remained true to its aims and objectives; however the program has been like an adolescent transitioning through a number of stages and with resulting maturity, the key learnings of the journey have enriched and supported a successful and robust model. 

CONNECTUS: THE PILOT PROJECT

Phase 1: Years 2001 – 2004. Connectus Program Start Up
In 2002 the Business Advisory Council was formed with a commitment of $500,000 per annum over three years by the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council (PDPC). The Premier and the Minister for Health indicated their support for the program at a business lunch held by Connnectus in Queens Hall on the 30 July 2004. Over 100 business people attended the lunch. Connectus was auspiced by VicHealth and the management unit located in Carlton. A communications campaign commenced with the view to inform service providers about the program and to attain referrals of young people. PDPC tendered the training to Acacia, the model was developed and four programs were delivered.

Phase 2:  Year 2005. Connnectus Program Restructuring
A new Executive Manager commenced in January 2005 and there was restructuring to the governance of the program and the Model. Most significantly:

• Pre-Employment Training was extended from 3 to 4 weeks;
• Pre-Employment Training was delivered by Connectus staff; and
• ‘One to one’ support for the young people was extended from 6 to 12 months.

Four projects were delivered in 2005.
 
Phase 3: Year 2006.  Connectus Program Evaluation
Victoria University implemented a program evaluation using ‘Action Research’. Connectus received a grant from the Victorian Department of Education and Training and two of the three Connectus projects were delivered with additional funding from the Workforce Participation Partnerships (WPP). Connectus held two business breakfasts to engage Victorian business to offer employment places to the young people. Mentor Training was delivered to employers of Connectus graduates. Two transition/graduation workshops were delivered for program participants.

Phase 4: Year 2007. Connectus Pilot Program Conclusion
Connectus withdrew from WPP as the program guidelines were too narrow for the participants’ choices of transition into education, training and employment, not just employment. Two Projects and Mentor Training Workshops were delivered. An Advocacy strategy was commenced with the aim of embedding Connectus as a permanent Government program. In order to disseminate the Connectus program a ‘Train the Trainer’ course was delivered in June 2007 to twenty four youth service providers across Victoria.  The Connectus pilot project concluded July 2007.  

CONNECTUS: A NEW APPROACH

Phase 1: Year 2007-2008. Connectus Joins Workforce Participation
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.