THE Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network will celebrate their twentieth anniversary this Friday, 28 May.<\/p>\n
Highlands LLEN\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe initial aim was to assist young people who were struggling to complete school, and encourage them to stay at school,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2000, the school completion rate wasn\u2019t where the State Government felt it should be, and so they thought we would assist. That\u2019s still very much part of our DNA and who we are, but our reach has broadened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Approximately half of Highlands LLEN\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Ms Bennett said the group has been recognised over the last two decades for their strong leadership and ability to achieve \u201csignificant outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n
As an independent organisation, they\u2019re proud of their \u201cfreedom to be responsive\u201d 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\u2019s BLX.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Ms Bennett said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis event is about saying \u2018thank you\u2019 to all the people who have contributed to our long and successful history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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,\u201d Ms Bennett said.<\/p>\n
Thirty-one LLENs operate across Victoria, funded by the State Government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network will celebrate their twentieth anniversary this Friday, 28 May. Highlands LLEN\u2019s 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. \u201cThe initial aim was to assist young people who were struggling […]<\/p>\n