Highlands Local Learning And Employment Network Incorporated

Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network Incorporated (Highlands LLEN) is a community-focused organisation dedicated to improving education and employment outcomes for young people in the Ballarat, Moorabool, and Pyrenees regions of Victoria, Australia. Established as part of a statewide initiative, Highlands LLEN works by building strategic partnerships among educators, businesses, and community groups to support youth engagement in education, training, and employment pathways.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Highlands LLEN is to provide targeted services and programs that prioritise at-risk and vulnerable young people, facilitating their successful transition into education, training, or employment. The organisation collaborates closely with the Department of Education, community organisations, and other stakeholders to create sustainable support networks. Its vision is to build great futures by partnering with educators, business, and community, enabling every young person, regardless of their circumstances, to thrive and become the best version of themselves.

Main Objectives

• Improve education and employment outcomes for young people in the region.
• Provide services and programs that focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged youth.
• Facilitate and coordinate partnerships that deliver support across communities.
• Support successful transitions into further education, training, or employment.
• Advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries of Highlands LLEN’s work are young people aged up to 25 years who live in the Ballarat, Moorabool, and Pyrenees shires, especially those who are at risk of disengagement or facing disadvantage. This includes students undertaking vocational education and training (VET), those involved in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and youth seeking pathways into meaningful employment.

Types of Services and Activities

• Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs that enhance skills and employability for secondary students.
• Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements connecting students with local employers in sectors such as community services, health, tourism, hospitality, and construction.
• School engagement activities including taster programs like Women in Trade and Try a Trade, which provide hands-on experiences to inspire career choices.
• Partnership brokering between schools, businesses, and community organisations to support youth transitions.
• Advocacy and leadership to promote equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in youth education and employment services.