20 years of Highlands LLEN

THE Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network will celebrate their twentieth anniversary this Friday, 28 May.

Highlands LLEN’s fourth executive officer, Jannine Bennett said the advocacy organisation was originally established to help teens through their secondary education, before potentially accessing further training and employment.

“The initial aim was to assist young people who were struggling to complete school, and encourage them to stay at school,” she said.

“In 2000, the school completion rate wasn’t where the State Government felt it should be, and so they thought we would assist. That’s still very much part of our DNA and who we are, but our reach has broadened.”

Approximately half of Highlands LLEN’s current work is still with young people, assisting them to find positive pathways to further study or employment, but having secured GROW Ballarat and Jobs Victoria Advocates programs, they now cater to all ages post-school.

Ms Bennett said the group has been recognised over the last two decades for their strong leadership and ability to achieve “significant outcomes.”

As an independent organisation, they’re proud of their “freedom to be responsive” to the individual learning needs of the community, as well as some particular projects, including the Youth Advisory Board, and former career hub which was based at Camp Street’s BLX.

“The YAB has been in operation for almost three years, giving a small number of young people the opportunity to advocate on behalf of young people,” Ms Bennett said.

Highlands LLEN is marking the anniversary this Thursday, 27 May, at The Grand, hosting approximately 110 guests, including current and former staff and board members.

VET cluster students have baked cupcakes, VET dance students are performing, the YAB members will be interviewed on a panel, and past executive officers and chairs will speak.

“This event is about saying ‘thank you’ to all the people who have contributed to our long and successful history.

“In order for us to do our work well behind the scenes, we have to be in partnership with our stakeholders, so this celebration is our time to shine, and an opportunity for us to showcase what we do,” Ms Bennett said.

Thirty-one LLENs operate across Victoria, funded by the State Government.