In an ever-changing world of work, giving primary school students (year 5 + 6) early exposure to real-world career experiences can ignite a sense of purpose, curiosity, and possibility. That’s exactly what the Passions & Pathways program has been doing, and doing exceptionally well, for over a decade in central Victoria.

Originally developed by Goldfields LLEN in collaboration with local schools and industry, as an addition to our core work, and in response to the challenges facing primary aged students in communities experiencing entrenched disadvantage, the program brings together primary schools, local government, industry, and community organisations to create hands-on, meaningful engagement with the world of work.

What sets Passions & Pathways apart is its evidence based and deep commitment to collaboration, an ethos that is embedded into the work of the LLEN. Students don’t just learn about jobs, they build real connections with industry, see behind the scenes of local workplaces, and explore how their own passions could translate into future opportunities.

The recently released Passions & Pathways Evaluation Report (May 2025) outlines the long-term impacts of the program, including:

– Increased student engagement and aspiration

– Stronger partnerships between schools and employers

– Improved teacher confidence in delivering career education at the primary level

– A deeper sense of belonging and connection to community

The evaluation also highlights how the program has continued to evolve, responding to local needs and contexts while maintaining commitment to its core values: equity, aspiration, and opportunity.

At its heart, Passions & Pathways is about giving all young people, not just a select few, the tools, confidence, and networks to imagine a future they can work towards.

Supporting What Works

What makes programs like this sustainable and scalable is the ability to evaluate, refine, and embed them systemically. As the LLEN network, we know that no one-size-fits-all solution works across all regions. That’s why VicLLENs are experts at designing programs tailored to local needs, and crucially, at embedding and evaluating those programs to ensure they make a meaningful difference.

Whether it’s introducing primary students to the world of work or supporting VET pathways in secondary school, our network brings together education, industry, and community to create real impact for young people.

Read more about Passions & pathways here: Passions & Pathways

Learn more about our work at vicllens.org.au