|
The importance of education and learning are recognised internationally for the social and economic well being they contribute to communities and are essential ingredients for community capacity building. It brings people together sharing experiences, values, offering opportunities for developing new networks and most importantly, acquiring new knowledge and new skills.
As a progressive city…. a place where doing business and investing is attractive because of its dynamic and versatile local economy and flexible skilled workforce we need to continually promote education, training and employment opportunities to young people in particular, to position ourselves individually and as a community for a better vibrant future.
The Highlands LLEN’s role is to facilitate and broker partnerships between schools, training organisations, local government, other relevant stakeholders and industry to strengthen the pathways from school to further education, training or meaningful employment.
With our aging workforce and the number of ‘Baby Boomers’ planning their retirement and exit from the workforce over the next few years, industry needs to give thought to the changing landscape and how they might address their future employment needs so they maintain a flexible and skilled labour force.
Those that identify the value with working closely with schools will be in a better position to meet their recruitment needs as the secondary schools/colleges are a rich resource.
Schools are very receptive to embracing and working with industry so they better understand the market place and the needs and requirements of industry and business so their students can better prepare themselves for the world of work.
The HLLEN is currently working with the school sector to assist with the coordination of Vocational Education Training (VET in Schools) to ensure the VET programs are relevant and align more with the skills shortages that exist within our communities. The structured work placements, that are a part of the VET course, and linked to the relevant industry assist in equipping the students with the skills and attributes that employers need.
The Highlands LLEN has been active in:
- Establishing That Place – Career Information Centre to assist young people with career information and knowledge to prepare them for the job seeking market.
- Establishing Taster Programs – working with industry to develop programs that meet their needs in relation to skills and knowledge. Programs including the Australian Industry Group Engineering Taster, the UFS Dispensary Pharmacy Assistant/Retail Taster, the Bricklaying Taster in partnership with the Australian Block & Bricklaying Association and the University of Ballarat TAFE Division, and the IT Taster in partnership with the University of Ballarat TAFE Division.
- Coordination of the school Based New Apprenticeship Program where students can combine schooling with a part-time apprenticeship/traineeship.
- Facilitating Career Voyage workshops working with a range of students and producing action plans about possible career choices.
- Sponsoring industry/education breakfasts where both parties can discuss in an informal manner on how they can work closely together to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Promoting Manufacturing Week and facilitating school/industry tours, Mindshop Excellence programs all focussed on school to employment transitions and industry/market place knowledge.
The HLLEN is seeking active members to assist in the development and introduction of innovative programs that will assist our young people in making the transition from school to work or further education. Our Committee of Management is formed from a diverse range of stakeholder organisations including Employer Peak Bodies, Local Government, TAFE/Universities, Adult Community Education, Schools, Koorie, Community Trade Unions and Other Educational & Training organisations.
If you would like to assist please contact Executive Officer Wendy Draayers, phone 5336 5020.
Download HLLEN Application Form
|
Membership 