Hello, my name is Sharon Kerlin, and I have recently commenced in the new position of Partnership Broker with Central Ranges LLEN. 

My role is to work with key stakeholders in education, industry, community organisations and parents to broker partnerships that improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people aged 10-19.   

Having completed my undergraduate degree in Business Management, I was employed a Training Officer with YMCA Victoria where I was responsible for co-ordinating a range of accredited and non-accreditated training programs. 

After 2Π years with the YMCA I took up a position as an Australian Apprenticeships Field Consultant with VECCI Apprenticeship Services, where I was responsible for promoting traineeships and apprenticeships across a wide of industries in the North Western region of Melbourne.

At the end of 2007 I moved to London and was employed by CfBT Education, contracted to deliver the Connexions youth services contract across West London.  In this role I managed the Employer Engagement team, working with employers to identify and promote job vacancies for local young people. 

In 2009 I returned to Australia, and to my role as an Apprenticeship Field Consultant at VECCI.  I also completed my Graduate Certificate in Careers Education & Development with RMIT.

This year I am looking forward to the challenges of a new role as well as the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of transition outcomes for young people.

Based in Central Ranges LLEN≠s new office in Kilmore, I can be contacted on the details below:

Sharon Kerlin
Partnership Broker
Central Ranges LLEN
Suite 3, 1 Powlett Street
KILMORE VIC 3764
P: 0357 811 014
F: 0357 811 079
M: 0457 724 954
E: sharon at centralrangesllen.org.au
W: www.centralrangesllen.org.au

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Dear Members and subscribers,

We are currently working to correct some problems with our Web-Server.

These problems have been causing intermittment problems with our web site, meaning it has often been unavavailable for hours at a time.

There will still be outages over the coming days as we work to identify and correct the problem.

We hope to correct the problem as as soon as possible.

We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.

The CRLLEN has completed annual WebServer Maintenance and Up-Grades ;-{)

All CRLLEN Web Services are back online.

Further details and images of the upgrade can be found here.

Technical Support

15th December 2009

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Applications for PARTNERSHIP BROKER

are now Closed !

If you require any further information please contact Boyd Maplestone at 0357 811 014 or by email on info@centralrangesllen.org.au

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 10th December 2009.

Boyd Maplestone

Chief Executive Officer

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A New Opportunity to work with the CRLLEN!

PARTNERSHIP BROKER

1.0 (EFT)/ 37.5 Hours per week

The CRLLEN encompasses the local government Shires of Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi located in the north central regional area of Victoria. The CRLLEN Office is in Kilmore.

We are seeking a highly motivated and competent person with the ability:

• To broker sustainable partnerships between all relevant stakeholders, including parents and families, schools, employers, industry, community agencies and Youth Connections providers to ensure young people in the region have access to rewarding learning and employment pathways.

An attractive salary range of $50,000 to $55,000, including a fully maintained organisation car of $20,000. The position is tied to LLEN funding which is currently confirmed until 31 December 2011, with a possible contract extension available to 2013 pending additional funding.

To apply:

Applicants must respond to the application and submission details listed in the position description.

• The Position Description can be downloaded here [230Kb]

If you require any further information please contact Boyd Maplestone at 0357 811 014 or by email on info@centralrangesllen.org.au

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 10th December 2009.

Boyd Maplestone

Chief Executive Officer

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Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network - Update

New CEO

In October this year there was a change of Chief Executive Officer from Bill Coppinger to Boyd Maplestone. 

Bill leaves the LLEN after nearly seven years of outstanding service to Central Ranges community and is now taking some time to rebuild his house after the devastating bushfires earlier this year.  We look forward to hosting a celebration for Bill in the near future to thank him for all his hard work and dedication to the Central Ranges LLEN.

New Office 

The Central Ranges LLEN has a new office in Kilmore situated on the corner of Powlett and Sydney Roads, in a historical building above Barry Plant Real Estate.  [See our Google Map] You are most welcome to drop in or organize an appointment.  Please update your contract details to reflect the Central Ranges LLEN‚s new postal, telephone and facsimile details listed below.

Enhanced LLEN

In the recent months the Central Ranges LLEN has been working with existing Local Community Partnership providers to develop a submission for the new School Community Partnership Broker program which will be delivered in Victoria through an ŒEnhanced LLEN‚ network for four years from January 2010 ˆ December 2013.

The Central Ranges LLEN will broker strategic and sustainable partnerships that support improved education and transition outcomes for young people, including increasing Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates.  The Central Ranges LLEN will broker sustainable partnerships between the following stakeholder groups:

• Education Providers
• Business and Industry
• Parents and Families
• Community groups

Under the program Central Ranges LLEN will have an expanded and broader role.

• A broader age range 10-19 years of Age
• Focus on transition from primary school to secondary school
• A stronger focus on career development
• A stronger focus on engaging with parents and families
• Working in collaboration with Youth Connections Providers

To this end, the core objective of the LLEN is to improve participation, engagement, attainment and transition outcomes for young people 10-19 years old within the Mitchell, Murrindindi and Macedon Ranges area.

Staffing 2010

The Central Ranges LLEN will have an increase of two staff, an Office Administration Manager (0.8EFT) and a full time Project Officer to deliver this initiative in partnership with all of the key stakeholders.  We look forward to meeting with all of the stakeholder groups to support the development of collaborative partnerships which improve outcomes for young people.

Strategic Plan 2010 ˆ 2013

The Central Ranges LLEN Committee of Management will develop a strategic plan which will contain around 4-6 strategic goals which we will pursue over the next four years. The plan will be developed in consultation with our key stakeholders to ensure we are meeting local needs. 

To attain these goals Central Ranges LLEN will work with many organisations and develop collaborative partnerships with the key stakeholder groups, Education Providers, Business and Industry, Parents and Families and Community Groups.
 
I look forward to working with you all on this new initiative.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Central Ranges LLEN on 03 57 811 014.

Boyd Maplestone
Chief Executive Officer
Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.

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Trade Training Centre Consortium Unsuccessul.

Jim Alsop, Principal of the lead school in the 10 school consortium of Government and Catholic schools of the Central Ranges Trade Trading Centre consortium was advised by the Commonwealth on the 5th of November that they were unsuccessful in their application to receive a 16 million dollar investment in vocational education infrastructure.

The consortium, the first of its kind in the region, represents approximately 3,500 year 9-12 students across the Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie Shires and the City of Whittlesea.

Mr Alsop said there has been an "18 month investment into generating support and collaboration from 10 School Councils, local business and communities across 5 shire".

Andrew Hocking, Chairperson of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment, Network said he is "disappointed, considering the Principals had worked on it for 18 months, met all the requirements and even continued DURING and after the devastation of the fires, working closely with VBBRA, DEECD and Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Reconstruction, Bill Shorten".

Our board, with over 200 members from across the region, believed the detailed economic, social and educational plans were tightly integrated with the skill needs of businesses and young people in the region and had the added connection of supporting and complimenting reconstruction efforts in communities where infrastructure, employment and labour markets have been devastated.

The consortium will review our model and the suggestions from Canberra and look at next steps available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jim Alsop, Principal
Lead School Central Ranges Trade Training Centre
03 57841200

OR

Boyd Maplestone, Chief Executive Officer
Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network
03 57811014

Related Links:

• Central Ranges Trade Training Centre

• CRTTC Press Release 10th November 2009

• Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Reconstruction, Bill Shorten meet with Region's Principals

• Commonwealth Trade Training Centres

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Applications for the position of Administration Officer Manager with the Central Ranges Local Learning & Employment Network Inc (CRLLEN), closed at 5:00pm on 30th October 2009.

Prospective Applicants

All applicants should have received an acknowledgement via email.

For any further enquries, please contact the Central Ranges LLEN Office.

http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/contact

P: 0357811014
F: 0357811079
E: info@centralrangesllen.org.au

Boyd Maplestone

Chief Executive Officer

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Applications are invited from suitably qualified people for the position of Administration Officer Manager with the Central Ranges Local Learning & Employment Network Inc (CRLLEN).

The CRLLEN encompasses the area of the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires, located in the north central area of Victoria. The CRLLEN Office is in Kilmore. [Google Map]

We are seeking a highly motivated and competent person with a strong customer focus to provide quality administrative support to the CRLLEN. The successful applicant will be able to communicate effectively with:

• the CRLLEN Chief Executive Officer,
• the CRLLEN Board and staff
• a wide range of groups including education and training providers, youth services, community organisations, government and industry.

and will need excellent communication and time management skills, well developed administration skills and be a flexible team player.

A pro rata salary range of $40,000 to $45,000.

The position is tied to LLEN funding which is currently confirmed until 31 December 2011, a possible contract extension may be available to 2013 pending additional funding.

To apply:

Download and respond to the application and submission details listed in the position description.

• Download Office Administration Manager Position Description [PDF 218KB]

If you require any further information please contact Boyd Maplestone at 0357 811 014 or by email on info@centralrangesllen.org.au

Applicants must address the key selection criteria as specified in the position description.

Applications close at 5pm on 30 October 2009.

Time remaining

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The Chairperson and Board of Directors would like to welcome our new

Chief Executive Officer !

Mr. Boyd Maplestone

Boyd brings considerable experience and expertise in working with a range of young people both within Australia and overseas. This has included working with some of the most disadvantaged young people in Melbourne, in Residential Care Units for Melbourne City Mission and Kildonan Child and Family Services.

Boyd has also worked as a Pastoral Worker (Welfare Co-ordinator) at Greenford High School a large Foundation school in West London, assisting a diverse range of students in Year 10 and Year 11.

Over the last few years Boyd has held a position as a Careers and Transitions Project Officer with Western Local Community Partnership, developing excellent partnerships with schools, community organisations and industry in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

Earlier in 2009, Boyd become the Youth Transition Support Initiative Co-ordinator supporting four workers to manage the complex needs of disengaged young people.

Boyd's several years experience in working for Community, Education and Corporate organisations has given him many broad experiences that the Board believes will equip him well to maintain and expand the work of the association in the coming years. Boyd's extended biography can be found here.

Boyd began the handover phase this week and begins full time on Monday 12th of October. We look forward to introducing Boyd to our many partners, members and stakeholders.

On behalf of the Board and all members, we welcome Boyd to the position of Chief Executive Officer and wish him well in working across the Macedon, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires to improve education, employment and training outcomes for our young people.

Andrew Hocking

Chairperson

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This open, fun and informative evening will give you the opportunity to talk personally with course coordinators and provide you with a better understanding of the many education pathways available at GOTAFE Seymour in 2010. You will be able to complete an expression of interest and the friendly GOTAFE staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Some of the Certificate level, Diploma level and Short Courses being considered for 2010 are:

Agriculture and Horticulture, Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Building and Construction, Child Care, Health and Community Services, Retail, Multimedia and Business Studies.

Phone 1300 GOTAFE ( 1300-468-233) to register your interest or to find out more information !

When: Thursday October 8th 2009

Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Venue: Wallis Street Campus, Seymour

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Dear Colleagues,

If you have an opportunity to visit Marysville during the school holiday break, I would highly encourage you to stop and enjoy the benefits of the Marysville Lolly Shop!

Just outstanding!

Here's a link to this photo on our FLICKR photostream !

Our full photo-stream can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crllen/

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As many CRLLEN members and stakeholders will know, the focus of the Australian Government's Intergenerational reports are highly valued by our association.

According to reports of the draft Third Intergenerational Report, the Australian population will grow rapidly to 35 million people in a generation and we will be younger than previously thought, according to forecasts.

The demographic surge will be driven by more women of childbearing age, higher fertility rates, and increased net overseas migration.

On friday, September 18th, Treasurer Wayne Swan provided a glimpse into the future when he revealed key details from the much-anticipated third Intergenerational Report.

News.com and the Courier Mail report that ;

With Treasury Secretary Ken Henry's review of the nation's taxation system, the intergenerational data will guide the Rudd Government's policies for the nation's growing and ageing population.

Mr Swan told the launch of the Australian Institute For Population Ageing Research in Sydney that the proportion of people over 65 will almost double to 25 per cent of all Australians in 2049 .

But the proportion is slightly less than previously projected.

In his speech, Mr Swan said "the population ageing story in Australia is changing".

The updated Intergenerational report will predict Australia's population will grow by 65 per cent to 35 million people in 2049. It was previously tipped to reach 28.5 million in 2047.

The extra 6.5 million Australians over 40 years will come from births and migration.

"Our projections suggest that Australia's population could be larger and younger than presented in previous (intergenerational reports)," Mr Swan said.

But despite changes to the nation's demographic make-up in four decades, the drain on government services including health, pensions and aged care will come from a greying population.

The proportion of the population aged 85 and over is projected to increase most rapidly, rising from 1.7 per cent of the population in 2009 to 5 per cent in 2049.

The Government has laid the groundwork to tackle the ageing population by raising the pension age to 67 from 65 at a rate of six months every two years from 2017.

Mr Swan's Budget boost to pensions begins next week, with single pensioners on the maximum rate receiving an extra $70.83 every fortnight, and couples on the maximum rate getting $29.93 more.

"Over the next 40 years it is projected that the number of young people and the number of people of traditional working age will both increase by about 45 per cent," the Treasurer said.

"But here's the thing ˆ over the same 40-year period, the number of older people aged 65-84 years will more than double and the number of very old people aged 85 and over will increase by more than 4Π times."

[Source: News.com]

The importance of evidence-based planning for regional and local growth has never been more important as increasingly rapid and significant changes confront the public institutions [ suchs as schools and hospitals] that are at the "pointy end" of these changes.

Related Links

• Australian Treasury Intergenerational Report

• Australian Institute For Population Ageing Research

• Research - The Intergenerational Report 2002-2003

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The Board of the Central Ranges LLEN congratulates the students and staff of Assumption College Kilmore for the well-deserved recognition and respect of their students and programmes in the recent Prime Minister's Vocational Prize.

These awards are very well deserved and the Board congratulates ACK for their commitment as a long-term provider of high-skilled and high quality vocational pathways for students.

James Monks-Corrigan from Assumption College won the Prime Minister's Vocational prize. James had also recently won a Vocational Students Prize and was automatically considered for the Prime Minister's Award.

Only 17 Prime Minister Awards are granted for the whole of Australia. This is an outstanding performance from James Monks-Corrigan. James completed year 12 in 2008 with a SBAT (School Based Apprenticeship) in Building. James recently won the Kangan Batman TAFE award for outstanding 3rd year apprentice builder and also won the silver medallion.

Troy Ashton was a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards making him one of the best Australian School Based Apprentices in Victoria . He won $500 .Troy was "pipped at the post" in the final by an apprentice jockey who took out the prize of the Victorian School Based Apprentice of the year.

According to Assumption College Kilmore's Pathways Coordinator, Carol Fisher, "The gala presentation was a wonderful event and Troy was an outstanding performer".Troy is working at Wallan Neighbourhood House completing his Cert. III in Business Administration as part of his school based traineeship

Melanie Grech won a vocational students prize for her VET Engineering. Melanie is now studying Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne University. It is wonderful to see a student do so well in non traditional trade for women.

Jake Zerella has won a Defence Scholarship. He is a VCAL student doing General Maths and a SBAT in Plumbing. He has been awarded $3,000.

Stephanie Bekema has won a Premier's Award for her VET Community Services completed in Year 11. This recognises Stephanie as one of the best five performing students in Victoria in this VET subject.

Assumption College Kilmore are currently offering students 16 different VET programmes with over 130 VCE and VCAL students participating both at school and off campus.

Assumption use many arrangements with local schools, Seymour Technical High School, Broadford Secondary College and Whittlesea Secondary College. As well as Goulburn Ovens and Kangan Batman TAFE, Headmasters Academy and National Centre for Equine Education.

More than 50 students are currently enrolled in a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship giving students a great career start in may different trades.

[Source: Carol Fisher]

Related Links

Assumption College Kilmore

Prime Minister's Press Release

Australian Vocational Prize

Goulburn Ovens TAFE

National Centre for Equine Education

Headmasters Academy

Kangan Batman TAFE

• Pathways Portal

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AUSTRALIA's first indigenous jobs website was launched by the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

''It's not so much discrimination, it's the competitiveness,'' the chamber's chairman, Warren Mundine, said of indigenous employment. ''Indigenous people are not as competitive as non-indigenous people. In interviews they're not promoting themselves. They're not selling themselves. It's not to say they can't do these jobs as well as anyone else - it's just the salesmanship.''

The Department of Premier and Cabinet is already advertising on the site, www.indigenousjobsaustralia.com.au , including an ad for a program manager in the Department of Juvenile Justice with an annual salary of more than $103,000. The Commonwealth Bank, Qantas and John Holland have also indicated they will advertise through the site.

Indigenous Jobs Australia was developed by the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (Indigenous Chamber) and Fairfax Media and is powered by MyCareer. The site is dedicated to advertising job vacancies and opportunities which might be suitable for Indigenous Australians.

- www.indigenousjobsaustralia.com.au

What is the National Partnerships and COAG "Compact with Young Australian's all about??"

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 (the Compact) that provides incentives to stay in, or return to, an education or training pathway. All young people aged 15 - 24 will have an entitlement to a place in school, training or higher education, subject to availability and meeting admission requirements. All young people who are aged 17 or under must be engaged full time in school, training or employment, or a combination of these, that is, learning or earning. All Governments have agreed to ensure that at least 90 per cent of all young people attain Year 12 or its equivalent by 2015.

Specifically for Victoria, this means a number of changes will be implemented from 2010. Of note for all LLEN members and stakeholders is the new role of the School Business Community Partnership Brokers [Partnership Brokers] which will be deployed within the existing Local Learning and Employment initiative through what will be called an "Enhanced LLEN".

To learn more about the "Partnership Brokers" and the new "youth connections" initiatives, please follow the link below:

http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/compactwithyoungaustralians

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