what is a llen?

Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) are a key initiative of the Victorian Government.

They were established during 2001–2002 to bring together the expertise and experience of:

• Local Education and Training providers
• Business and Industry
• Community Organisations and Individuals
• Parents and Families
• Government Agencies

to support Victoria’s young people to complete Year 12 or its equivalent—including apprenticeships, traineeships or vocational training.

LLENs also have a particular focus on young people who are at risk of disengaging, or who have already disengaged from education and training and are not in meaningful employment.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE LLEN?

Membership of a LLEN comprises of individuals or any organisation with an interest in education, training and employment within the area covered by that LLEN.

Membership of the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN is free. 

At present the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN has 147 members including:

• All Secondary Colleges In The Region
• Primary Schools
• Industry Peak Bodies
• Employer Groups
• Local Governments
• Indigenous Representative Bodies
• Local Businesses
• Community Groups
• Registered Training Organisations
• Education Providers
• Individuals

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE LLEN?

The primary functions of the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN are to:

• Develop partnerships between parents and families, community, education and training providers to improve career development and education, training and employment outcomes for local young people and close the gap in education, training and employment outcomes for indigenous young people
• Improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people aged 10 – 19 years in the Local Government Areas of West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Horsham Rural City
• Plan the development and delivery of educational programs for young people which will assist in meeting the Government’s targets for better completion rates and employment outcomes
• Take a strategic approach to developing pathways for local young people, especially those at risk of dropping out
• Undertake evidence-based local planning to address gaps in the area of youth attainment and transitions
• Engage with local Youth Connections providers, School Focussed Youth Service and other youth service organisations and networks;
• Facilitate partnerships and brokerage to develop and promote initiatives and services that address gaps
• Provide policy advice to DEECD, DEEWR, the Victorian Skills Commission and other government agencies.

Please Note: The WSMLLEN’s role does not generally include service delivery.  Service delivery is defined as service that is directly delivered by the LLEN to young people.

HOW AND WHERE DO THE LLENS OPERATE?

There are 31 LLENs, set up as incorporated associations, covering all areas of the State of Victoria. 

The activities of the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN (WSMLLEN) are overseen and guided by our Committee of Management. 

Members of the Committee operate in a voluntary capacity. 

The Committee is drawn from a wide range of sectors from across the Wimmera Southern Mallee, including local Business & Industry, Education & Training providers, Community groups and Parents & Families.

The WSMLLEN incorporates City of Horsham and the Shires of Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.

There are some 36,500 people residing in the region with 11 Secondary Colleges, one TAFE campus and four Registered Training Organisations.

Map of LLEN locations seen here

How are llens funded?

LLENs are funded by the Victorian State Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

WHO DO THE LLENS WORK WITH?

The Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN is committed to working with:

• Business and industry to identify and address local and regional high priority skill needs, both current and emerging
• Schools and training providers to connect learning to real life application and in the provision of quality career information and advice 
• Parents, families and community groups to support and continue to build strong relationships for our region’s young people

The Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN is dedicated to making a difference in young people’s lives throughout the Wimmera Southern Mallee, particularly youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who have had a difficult start to life.

If you would like to work with us please contact us.