ABOUT
Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) is dedicated to enhancing education, training, and employment opportunities for young people in our region. We collaborate with local schools, TAFEs, community education providers, and businesses to build a skilled and vibrant workforce.
We are a not-for-profit organisation steered by a volunteer board of directors and representatives of the local shires. You can find out more about our management structure and governance here.
OUR VISION
Central Ranges LLEN envisions a future where every young person in our region has the opportunity to thrive in education, training and employment. By working together with our community, we aim to create lasting benefits for our region’s economy and the wellbeing of its people.
Our Mission
Helping young people on their school to work journey so they can find their best job and live their best life.
OUR VALUES
We are passionate about including all young people in our work (equity).
We put young people at the centre of everything we do (youth focused).
We ensure our work always benefits young people, schools and employers (is engaging). This includes finding ways to engage young people with what they want and making things easy for schools and employers.
We involve parents, employers and schools in our work (it takes a village).
Our work is evidence-based (ethical, integrity).
We are nimble, facilitating partnerships to value add and maximise the impact of resources (trusted, effective).
We support the critical social transitions of our time (sustainability, inclusivity, community).
HOW WE WORK
We work with local organisations and networks to improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people in our region.
Our activities include:
Fostering Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, TAFEs, Learn Locals and industry partners.
Supporting Transitions: Helping students transition from school to further education, training or employment.
Creating Pathways: Developing pathways that align with the skills needs of local industries.
OUR REGION
The Central Ranges LLEN region covers Mitchell, Murrindindi and Macedon Ranges Shires. It includes:
70 schools (14 secondary schools & 56 primary schools)
3 TAFEs
12 Learn Locals (formerly known as Adult & Community Education (ACE) providers)
Estimated population: 90,000
KEY INDUSTRIES
Our local economy is diverse, with major industries including:
Construction
Agriculture and Fishing
Education and Training
However in regional Victoria major growth is expected with more than 75,000 workers anticipated to enter our workforce between 2023 and 2026. Importantly 64% of these new workers will need higher-order skills.
Job growth and higher order skills will be required in:
Healthcare and social assistance
Aged care and disability
Accommodation and food services
Source: Collins, M. (2022, May 17). Future Workforce Needs [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from www.centralrangesllen.org.au/newsroom/2024crllenagm
For the Central Ranges region specifically, this translates to a need for 7,608 new workers by 2026, covering both new jobs and replacements for retirees.
Key industries driving this growth include healthcare and social assistance, accommodation and food services, education and training and public administration. This diverse range of sectors underscores the need for a workforce equipped with versatile skills that can be applied across various fields.
A significant shift in the job market is the increasing demand for higher levels of education and training. As Martin Collins points out, “Jobs of the future are going to require a Certificate IV education level and above.” This marks a notable change from previous entry-level requirements, which are often centered around Certificate III qualifications, particularly for trades.
This shift emphasises the need for individuals to engage in higher education to remain competitive in the job market. It also underscores the growing importance of lifelong learning and continuous upskilling to meet evolving industry demands.
Essential Skills for the Future
Martin Collins emphasised the following as key areas for skill development crucial for the future workforce:
Digital and Technological Proficiency
Sustainability and Clean Energy Skills
Higher-Order Thinking
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Soft Skills
CENTRAL RANGES LLEN STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2026
As an independent not-for-profit organisation, Central Ranges LLEN aims to develop and support place-based programs and initiatives that help young people complete their secondary school education. We strive to equip them with the confidence, aspiration, skills and knowledge to move into the workforce or further education.
Our work holds greater significance as young people face an ever-evolving work landscape requiring higher-order skills. Research highlights the importance of early career education and without it, the aspirations of our young people may be compromised, leading to school disengagement and potential lifelong disadvantage. The Central Ranges LLEN suite of programs already addresses many of the benefits highlighted by this research, positioning us well to respond to the challenges faced by young people in our region.
About the School-to-Work Program (31 VicLLENS)
As part of the School to Work program, LLENs across Victoria coordinate Work Based Learning opportunities for Victorian students.
There are 31 LLENS in the network, each of which works to bring together education providers, industry, community, individual and government organisations to improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people in communities across Victoria.
To find out more go to the Victorian Local Learning and Employment Networks Website
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
CRLLEN is committed to child safety. We are dedicated to children's safety, participation, and empowerment, and we have zero tolerance for child abuse. We want children to be safe, happy, and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and consistently.
We have systems in place to protect children from abuse, will contact authorities when we are concerned about a child’s safety, and will follow these procedures rigorously.
CRLLEN is committed to promoting cultural safety for Aboriginal children, cultural safety for children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and providing a safe environment for children with disabilities, where they can participate equally.
Our organisation is committed to providing appropriate training for all staff and volunteers regarding child abuse risks.
Get Involved
Join us in building a brighter future for our young people. Whether you're a business looking to connect with local talent, an educator seeking to enhance your programs, or a community member wanting to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved with Central Ranges LLEN.
Contact us to learn more about our initiatives and how you can participate.