In 2025, the VicLLEN Network continued to deliver tangible, place-based impact for young people and communities across Victoria. Through strong local partnerships and deep connections with schools, employers, and community organisations, LLENs facilitated thousands of work placements and work experience opportunities statewide. These efforts supported young people to build employability skills, explore career pathways, and transition more confidently from education into work.
Beyond individual student outcomes, this work contributes directly to stronger local economies. By connecting students with local businesses and industries, LLENs help address workforce needs, support industry engagement, and create sustainable job pathways aligned to in-demand skills. Across metropolitan, regional, and rural Victoria, LLEN-led programs continue to respond to local labour market priorities while keeping young people at the centre.
Strengthening School-to-Work Pathways
A core focus of the VicLLEN Network remains the delivery and continuous improvement of the School to Work program. In 2026, the Network will enter a pilot year, providing an important opportunity to test, refine, and implement targeted improvements that strengthen outcomes for students, schools, and employers.
Throughout this pilot year, LLENs will focus on expanding access to high-quality, meaningful work-based learning opportunities. This includes improving consistency across regions, strengthening employer engagement, and ensuring young people, particularly those who may face barriers, are supported to participate and succeed. The intent is clear: to ensure the School to Work program continues to deliver practical, relevant, and transformative experiences that support successful post-school transitions.
A Critical Part of Victoria’s Education-to-Employment Ecosystem
LLENs remain a critical component of Victoria’s education-to-employment ecosystem. With significant investment and a clear strategic direction, the Network plays a vital role in bridging the gap between education and industry. LLENs bring local intelligence, trusted relationships, and practical delivery expertise that cannot be replicated through centralised approaches alone.
As part of this role, VicLLENs continue to actively consult and collaborate with the Department of Education. This ongoing engagement ensures that local insights inform program design and delivery, and that future enhancements to the School to Work program are grounded in evidence, experience, and the needs of communities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we head into 2026, the VicLLEN Network remains focused on what it does best: supporting young people to access meaningful pathways, strengthening connections between education and industry, and delivering locally responsive solutions that work.
With a shared commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and impact, LLENs across Victoria look forward to another year of supporting students, schools, employers, and communities—working together to shape stronger futures for young people.
Here’s to another year of impact, partnership, and opportunity for Victorian students.