Highlands Local Learning And Employment Network Incorporated

Highlands Local Learning And Employment Network Incorporated (Highlands LLEN) is a nonprofit organisation based in Victoria, Australia, dedicated to improving education and employment outcomes for young people. Established in 2001 as part of a broader initiative creating 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) across Victoria, Highlands LLEN serves the communities of Ballarat, Moorabool, and Pyrenees shires.

Purpose and Activities

The primary aim of Highlands LLEN is to enhance educational attainment—specifically increasing the number of young people completing Year 12 or equivalent—and to facilitate successful transitions into employment and further training[1][2]. The organisation focuses on supporting young people who are at-risk or vulnerable by:

• Delivering targeted services and programs to address barriers to engagement.
• Facilitating and coordinating partnerships among schools, businesses, community organisations, and government agencies.
• Advocating for and supporting young people experiencing disadvantage to remain engaged in education or training pathways[1][3].

Programs and Support

Highlands LLEN plays a critical role in connecting students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) as part of their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) studies with structured workplace learning opportunities. This includes supporting School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) by linking students with local employers across various industries such as community services, health, tourism, hospitality, building, and construction[5].

Vision and Values

The organisation’s vision is "Building great futures by partnering with educators, business, and community"[3]. It operates under core values that include:

• Advocacy: Championing great futures within its communities.
• Collaboration: Building and maintaining strong partnerships.
• Innovation: Pursuing creative solutions.
• Diversity and Equity: Ensuring representation, equity, and fairness for all.
• Excellence: Being informed by evidence, best practice, and continuous improvement.
• Leadership: Guiding others to make meaningful differences[3].

Governance and Structure

Highlands LLEN works closely with the Victorian Department of Education and Training and other stakeholders to influence strategic planning and create sustainable partnerships that support youth development and engagement[1]. The organisation operates with a focus on evidence-based practice and community responsiveness, aiming to enable every young person to thrive regardless of their background or circumstance.

Highlands Local Learning And Employment Network Incorporated continues to be a pivotal organisation in the Ballarat region, supporting pathways to education, training, and employment for young people and contributing to broader regional development goals.

[1] https://www.highlandsllen.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a0adebf0-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [3] https://www.highlandsllen.org/vision-values/ [4] https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.highlands_local_learning__employment_network_inc.f1a989309efbf9b59ec5d5cf6464c179.html [5] https://workplacements.education.vic.gov.au/llens/hllen/