Local learning and employment networks want to continue delivering “high-impact, cost-effective outcomes to ensure all young Victorians are supported into education and employment”.
And can’t achieve that if the Allan Labor government does not commit to a new three-year LLEN contract to provide certainty for communities, schools, and students across Victoria.
Last week Jane Hosking, chief executive of the North Central LLEN and Jane Reid, executive officer at the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN, went to Parliament to meet with the Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, and Shadow Minister for Education and Industry and Economic Growth, Jess Wilson.
Desperate to know where to turn next to get Victoria “investing in what works” the women said the Department of Education’s current offer of a “highly limited” one-year contract undermines the stability of a proven model on which communities, schools and employers have relied for decades.
Ms Hosking said in real terms, despite growing demand, the 31 LLENs across the state have not received a funding increase since 2014.
She said VicLLENS have played a “critical role in bridging the gap” between education and employment for young people, across every region and postcode of the state.
“Since 2016, LLENs have coordinated more than 25,000 work-based learning (WBL) placements, currently partnering with almost 7000 employers statewide,” Ms Hosking explained.
“These partnerships open doors to real-world experience, support transitions into meaningful careers, and connect young people to industries which need them most,” she said.
“Without sustained investment, we risk losing trusted local relationships, networks and outcomes which cannot be quickly or easily rebuilt.
“Critically, we also risk losing a skilled, place-based LLEN workforce which cannot be readily replaced.
“Longer-term funding also enables strategic planning, measurable outcomes, and the retention of a highly skilled, place-based LLEN workforce essential to delivering sustained impact.”
Mr Walsh said the Allan Labor government needs to formally recognise LLENs as critical, place-based delivery partners in achieving its education, skills, and equity priorities.
He said with secure, fit-for-purpose funding and a genuine commitment to long-term collaboration, “LLENs will continue to deliver targeted, community-driven solutions ensuring no young person, in any part of the state, is left behind”.
“If it’s all about building a more skilled, inclusive and resilient Victoria then at the grassroots level, especially in regional Victoria, it is very much as LLENs,” Mr Walsh added.
“The meeting Jess Wilson and I had with these key LLEN representatives convinced us they are 100 per cent on the right track to provide essential opportunities for young people,” he said.
“And the funding they are seeking is barely a drop in the bucket when you compare it to the billions Premier Allan and the CFMEU are costing our economy year in and year out, instead of the benefit of the people.”
