The Capacity and Innovation Fund (CAIF) project is funded through the Department of Education and Training to address youth at risk or who have disengaged from education, training and or employment. 

The project will deliver courses to support young people to develop their skills and build on their strengths to be able to re-engage or seek employment opportunities through the delivery of pre-accredited programs.

The CAIF Youth Project will look to network and consult with young people, local secondary schools, learn locals and community organisations to reach the following outcomes:

• Develop an evaluation report through consultations with young people, local youth organisations and secondary school to improve their access and gain a better understanding of pathways for future education, training and/or employment.
• Reconnect disengaged or at-risk young people back into education, training and/or employment by offering them a pre-accredited program.
• Improve young people’s self- esteem and confidence through education, training and employment opportunities.
• Improve coordination and partnerships and share resources with organisations who are interested in increasing the participation of young people in education, training, and employment.

The program will address some of the complex issues identified in the consultation processes and use an integrated service delivery model – which will include outreach from community organisations who can provide social, legal and emotional support. The wrap-around service delivery model will provide a holistic approach and ensure young people develop confidence and self- esteem, while at the same time addressing some of the barriers they face to pursue their education, training and/or and employment opportunities. The pre-accredited programs will be held at youth-friendly venues, at times that suit their learning needs and with a focus on a peer engagement model.

Through this project, we hope to build stronger community connections with young people, their families and key stakeholders to address young disengagement from education, training and/or employment.

The project is open to young people:

• Between the age of 15 – 25 years of age
• Who are, or are at risk of, disengaging from education, training and/or employment
• Who live or recreate in Brimbank, Wyndham, and Melton areas

As of 2019, we will be delivering pre-accredited programs to assist local young people with their education, training or employment needs. If you would like to know more regarding this project or would be interested in participating, please contact Daniela at CommUnity+ on 0419 312 863 or emaildgullaci@comm-unityplus.org.au