More vocational skills and training for asylum seekers

Refugees and people seeking asylum can access subsidised training to help them build new lives in Victoria.

The Asylum Seeker VET program is being extended and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is getting extra funding to carry out its work through the program.

The program provides access to skills and training for people who have had to flee their home countries, helping them to thrive in Victoria. Many choose to give back to their new communities – some of the most popular courses are in:

• childcare
• community and disability services
• nursing and allied health.

Since 2024, we've supported more than 800 people seeking asylum to study at TAFE. The ASRC has supported more than 250 people in the past year to study at a TAFE, university or training provider.

The $3 million in funding to extend the Asylum Seeker VET program is being provided through the 2025/26 Victorian Budget. It will allow ASRC to continue its work through the program and offer more wraparound support and follow-up services.

We also recently announced that Victorians who face barriers to training and employment will continue to get support from the Reconnect program.

Reconnect is designed for people who are not engaged in education, employment or training. The program is for people who are not engaged in education, employment or training. This includes:

• people experiencing long-term unemployment
• asylum seekers
• young people impacted by the justice system
• people with current or previous experience in out-of-home care.

Find out more about the Asylum Seeker VET program.