Two Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) serving Melton and Moorabool have been given a lifeline, with the state government and opposition promising to provide funding for at least
the next year.
Federal funding for the state’s 31 LLEN’s was cut in this year’s budget, leaving them unable to operate after December 31.
The state opposition announced last Friday it will provide LLENs with $32 million over four years if it wins November’s election.
The state government earlier promised to provide $8 million in 2015 and discuss future arrangements with the LLENs.
Brimbank-Melton LLEN executive officer Graeme Brown said the commitments came as a relief for the partnership broker program, which fosters relationships between training providers and the community to provide job pathways for young people.
This includes mentoring programs, career support and advice, industry work placements, work experience and help to establish school-based apprenticeships.
But Mr Brown said while the promises were welcome, funding across the network would be down by at least $5 million a year.
“Some negotiations over the programming and brokering of deals will have to be done.”
Mr Brown said the service was particularly important in Brimbank and Melton, with an increasing number of young people in the municipalities.
January unemployment figures for Melbourne’s west – including Melton, Wyndham, Brimbank and Bacchus Marsh – showed 13.6 per cent of residents aged 15-24 were unemployed.
Highlands LLEN Brendan O’Connell said the commitments would allow the service to keep helping Moorabool residents.
“The Highlands LLEN has two major networks and three partnerships supporting 72 young people in re-engagement or alternative education settings in Moorabool,’’ Mr O’Connell said.
“The key to the success of the LLEN is its ability to be innovative, quick to react and supportive.
‘‘We continually recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by youth-focused organisations as we work to improve outcomes for youth.”
