Building a Skilled Generation: CRLLEN's Bold Vision for World Youth Skills Day 2024

World Youth Skills Day falls on the 15th of July each year and is a crucial event dedicated to celebrating the skills development of young people worldwide. This year’s theme, “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”, highlights the important role that young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts. By empowering the future workforce through vocational training and education, we are paving the way for a transformative future. It sets the tone for initiatives and programs aimed at empowering young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the job market. The impact of this vision will reverberate across educational institutions, businesses and policy frameworks, shaping the future of youth employment.

Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (CRLLEN) embodies this spirit with its mission: "Helping young people on their school to work journey so they can find their best job and live their best life." This mission aligns perfectly with the goals of World Youth Skills Day. CRLLEN dedicates itself to promoting youth skills development and raising awareness about the importance of investing in young people's potential. By showcasing success stories, providing resources and creating platforms for skill-building activities, CRLLEN inspires and engages young people in their skill development journey, serving as a catalyst for change and empowerment.

Addressing the Skills Gap for Sustainable Employment

The Central Ranges area faces distinct and diverse challenges ranging from geographical barriers to post-COVID workforce shortages. However, innovative solutions like the VIC VICE virtual reality experiences and robust community partnerships provide unique learning opportunities to address these issues. The region's predominant industries—particularly construction, agriculture, fishing, property, business services, education and training and retail trade—each require specific skill sets that CRLLEN tackles through customised programs.

Aligning with Local Needs and Building Partnerships

CRLLEN works closely with local educators to ensure that skill development aligns with the needs of industry. This involves training teachers on current industry standards, facilitating workshops and updating the School to Work Portal with current placement opportunities. Initiatives like the Secondary School Agriculture Fund, which supports Yea High School in establishing a Certificate II VET in Agriculture, demonstrate CRLLEN's commitment to meeting local industry needs.

Engaging local partners is crucial for sustainable youth skills development. Our success is built on strong partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organisations. By collaborating with these stakeholders, CRLLEN creates programs that meet young learners' specific needs while ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with industry requirements. These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, resource allocation, and mentorship opportunities, fostering a supportive ecosystem for youth skill building.

Through its focused efforts and community-centred approach, CRLLEN plays a vital role in converting the ideals of World Youth Skills Day into tangible benefits. By helping young people navigate the transition from school to work and aligning educational offerings with local industry opportunities, CRLLEN empowers young people to achieve their full potential while addressing the region's unique workforce needs. This collaborative, community-driven effort ensures that CRLLEN's programs have a lasting impact on both individual learners and the broader community of the Central Ranges area.

The School to Work Program:

At the heart of CRLLEN's efforts is the School to Work program. Offering 29 activities in 2023, including training interviews, industry tours, and job expos, this program is a cornerstone in building essential skills among local youth. It provides structured workplace learning and work experience, on-the-job training, and various work-based learning opportunities which are collectively integrated into VET programs. Consequently, students are assisted and supported in developing crucial job readiness skills such as time management, communication and problem-solving while gaining practical industry experience.

CRLLEN: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

CRLLEN has risen to this challenge with a suite of innovative programs designed to equip local youth with the skills needed to thrive in the future job market.

Several key initiatives have been developed by CRLLEN:

Project Ready Program: Building Confidence and Competence

CRLLEN’s flagship program is a year-long course combining work readiness and personal development, culminating in a VET Certificate II in Active Volunteering. In 2023, the Project Ready program reached an impressive 513 students from 36 schools across the State, providing a solid foundation for future careers. Through hands-on activities and volunteer work, students develop essential skills and gain the confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.

"Project Ready helped me discover strengths I didn't know I had. I feel so much more prepared for my future now." - Sarah, Project Ready graduate

Structured Work Placements: Real-World Experience

Experience is often the best teacher and CRLLEN understands this well. Last year they facilitated 127 placements across the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires. These placements provide students with hands-on experience in various industries, helping them understand the practical applications of their skills and studies.

VIC VICE: Virtual Reality Career Exploration

In this era of rapidly developing technology, CRLLEN is leveraging cutting-edge tools like virtual reality to expand students' horizons. The VIC VICE initiative offers virtual reality workplace experiences, allowing 206 local students to explore different career paths in an immersive, engaging way. This innovative approach not only makes learning fun but also helps students make informed decisions about their future careers.

"I did the logistics VR experience and now I might consider that as a career option. It was something I hadn't thought of before." - VIC VICE Participant

Design Thinking Challenges: Enhancing Critical Skills

Collaboration and critical thinking are crucial in today's job market. CRLLEN's Design Thinking Challenges bring together students and local organisations such as Ventia and Kilmore District Health to work on real-world problems. In 2023, eleven students participated in these projects, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Youth Take Over Programs: Hands-On Internships

Imagine having the chance to take over a workplace project as a young intern! That's exactly what the Youth Take Over Programs offer. These internships provide students with the opportunity to lead projects, gaining industry knowledge, confidence, and essential work-readiness skills.

The impact of these programs is evidenced in the words of Thaiesha, an intern who shared, "I didn't expect to gain as much as I have during this Take Over. I'm so thankful for the people I have met, and the conversations I have gotten to enjoy." Her testimonial emphasises the program's success in providing meaningful, enriching experiences for participants.

Career Quick Meets: Connecting Students with Professionals

Networking is crucial for career development, and CRLLEN's Career Quick Meets excels at fostering these connections. In 2023, this initiative brought together 250 students and 46 industry professionals for rapid, focused interactions.

These events offer students the chance to engage directly with professionals from various fields, ask questions, gain insights and explore diverse career paths. The format allows for multiple meaningful exchanges, exposing students to a wide range of industries in a single event.

For students, it's an opportunity to make informed career decisions. For professionals, it's a chance to share experiences, offer guidance and identify promising talent. CRLLEN is not just introducing students to potential careers – they’re opening doors, sparking inspiration and laying the groundwork for future professional relationships.

VET Transport Program: Overcoming Barriers

Access to education can be a significant barrier, especially in geographically diverse regions. The program supported 98 students across seven schools in attending VET courses, ensuring that transportation constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits.

Industry Tours: First-Hand Insights

Seeing is believing and CRLLEN's Industry Tours provide students with firsthand insights into various industries. Last year, 82 students from three schools participated in these tours, gaining a deeper understanding of the industries they are interested in.

Training Interviews: Preparing for the Real World

Interviews can be daunting, but practice makes perfect. The Training Interviews initiative involved 250 students and 26 employers in mock interviews, giving students valuable practice and feedback to help them succeed in real-world job interviews.

Pictured: Scholarship Winners and Dignitaries (left to right): Zack Webb, Isaac Sturzaker, Thomas Comans, Ayla Davis, Mason Begley, Brett Kelly (EMOS Manager, Puckapunyal Military Base), Anabelle Cleeland (MP for Euroa), Nicky Leitch (CEO, CRLLEN).

Success Stories: Real Impact, Real Lives

The impact of CRLLEN's programs is best illustrated through its success stories. Ethan McCullough's journey from work experience to a full-time position at Ventia exemplifies the impact of the Seymour Puckapunyal Youth Employment Partnership (SPYEP).

This thriving 8-year partnership recently awarded scholarships to five outstanding students:

Mason Begley – Year 9, St Marys Catholic College
Zack Webb – Year 10, Seymour Flexible Learning Centre
Isaac Sturzaker – Year 11, Seymour College
Thomas Comans – Year 11 VCE VM, Go TAFE
Ayla Davis – Year 11, Go TAFE (Senior Award Winner)

Collaborating Employers Feedback: Valuing Soft and Hard Skills

Local employers collaborating with CRLLEN emphasise the importance of both soft and hard skills. They look for young employees who are reliable, have strong communication and problem-solving abilities and willingness to learn. Furthermore, technical skills relevant to specific industries are highly valued. With an estimated 64% of new jobs requiring higher-order skills by 2026, CRLLEN's focus on work readiness skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork is more relevant than ever.

"The students coming through CRLLEN's programs show a level of workplace readiness that sets them apart. They have the communication skills, problem-solving abilities and adaptability that we're looking for." - Jane Smith, HR Manager at a local manufacturing company.

Shaping Tomorrow: CRLLEN's Vision for Youth Skills

CRLLEN stands at the forefront of a skills revolution, empowering youth to shape their futures and drive community development. By cultivating a well-rounded skill set that blends technical expertise with critical soft skills, CRLLEN prepares young individuals to thrive in diverse professional environments.

At CRLLEN, we nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators, fostering adaptability and lifelong learning. Join us in creating a future where young people not only readily accept and adapt to change but become meaningfully involved in developing their own futures. Together, let's build a brighter, more skilled future.

Get Involved: Commit to Supporting Skills Development with Us

Whether you're a student seeking opportunities, a business ready to offer support, or a community member eager to contribute, your involvement makes a difference.

Contact us at 0499 593 104 or admin@centralrangesllen.org.au to learn how you can help shape a future where youth don't just prepare for tomorrow—they’re involved in defining it.

FAQs about CRLLEN's Programs

Q1: Who is eligible for CRLLEN's programs?

A: Most programs are open to secondary school aged students in the Central Ranges area.

Q2: How can businesses get involved?

A: Businesses can offer work placements, participate in Career Quick Meets, help in our Training Interviews or collaborate on Design Thinking Challenges. Get in touch to find out how by calling 0499 593 104 or emailing admin@centralrangesllen.org.au

Q3: Are there costs associated with these programs?

A: Thanks to government funding and community partnerships, many programs are free for eligible students.