Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative

Career support for early school leavers

The Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative (VELCI), delivered by The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre in collaboration with the Department of Education, supports young people who have left school before completing Year 12.   

It provides free career advice and pathway support to help early leavers stay engaged in education, training, and employment.   

Whether it’s returning to complete Year 12, enrolling in TAFE, or exploring other vocational opportunities, there is support to help young people find a path that suits their strengths, interests and goals. 

Who is eligible 

The VELCI Career Advice Service supports early school leavers within The City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, The Borough of Queenscliff and Colac-Otway who are: 

• Compulsory school age early school leavers aged 16 and under who have left school early, with a formal exemption from school to participate in full-time education, training and/or employment
• Early school leavers aged 17 – 20 at a TAFE non-school provider who are enrolled in the Victorian Certificate of Education or Victorian Pathways Certificate

What support is offered to participants 

• Career, training, and education advice sessions with a qualified career counsellor
• Ongoing support with regular check-ins to monitor progress and offer guidance
• Somebody to call for questions or concerns about education, training, or work
• Help with making appointments or connecting to support services 

Enquires or to make a referral 

The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre
P 5225 0700
E velci@gordontafe.edu.au 

Learn more about the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative