In April 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) recognised the need to support young people to be able to withstand the impact of the global economic downturn on their employment and career prospects - especially those who disconnect from education or training without adequate qualifications or skills.

The Australian and State and Territory Governments have agreed to a Compact with Young Australians that provides incentives to stay in, or return to, an education or training pathway. In support of the Compact Employment Directions is now delivering the Youth Connections program funded by the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in the Gawler and Barossa Valley regions. Youth Connections provides a national, flexible, individualised and responsive service to assist young people who are most at risk of disengaging from education or training and therefore not attaining Year 12 or equivalent and not making a successful transition to further study, training or work. The objective of Youth Connections is to support these young people to attain Year 12 or equivalent and to help them make a successful transition through education and onto further education, training or work.

For more information please contact

1800 093 349