The Victorian Government is investing $3 million to help asylum seekers and refugees gain new skills, access free training, and build stable lives through meaningful work.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney announced the funding for the Asylum Seeker VET program, which will continue to be delivered in partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC). The program offers access to courses in areas with strong job demand such as childcare, community and disability services, and nursing and allied health.
“This program helps asylum seekers build a new life in Victoria, giving them the chance to learn new skills, start rewarding careers and contribute to their community—no matter their background or circumstances,” Ms Tierney said.
Since December 2024, more than 950 asylum seekers have enrolled in Victorian TAFEs through the initiative. The ASRC alone has helped over 250 people in the past year to study at a TAFE, university or other training provider.
The $3 million investment, part of the 2025/26 Victorian Budget, will allow the ASRC to continue its support and expand wraparound services such as follow-up mentoring, counselling, and employment guidance.
“This training is creating employment opportunities in areas where we know we have a high demand for skilled workers—like childcare, aged care and nursing,” Ms Tierney added.
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said the program has had a direct impact on local communities. “We’re proud to support this program and the ASRC, because it gives people in our local community the chance to build new skills, find meaningful work and contribute to the vibrant, diverse inner west we’re so proud of,” she said.
The announcement builds on the government’s recent $48 million extension of the Reconnect program, which assists people who are disengaged from work or education, including asylum seekers, long-term unemployed Victorians, early school leavers, and those with experience in out-of-home care.
ASRC founder and CEO Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM said the government’s support would have a lasting effect on families who have faced hardship.
“The ASRC wants to thank Minister Tierney and the Allan Government for making it possible for our newest Victorians to fulfil their potential, contribute meaningfully to our economy and community and move from surviving to thriving,” he said. “You have forever positively changed the lives of hundreds of refugee families by breaking the cycle of poverty, marginalisation and exclusion and championing social cohesion, inclusion and our multiculturalism.”
The Asylum Seeker VET program forms part of the state’s wider effort to connect disadvantaged groups with education and job opportunities, ensuring that all Victorians—regardless of their origins—can contribute to the economy and participate in community life.
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