FRANKSTON & MORNINGTON PENINSULA
EXCELLENCEINBUSINESSAWARDS2012
Building the opportunities BY MELISSA WALSH rankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network has been improving education and employment outcomes for young locals for a decade. Executive officer Carol Smith said the main role of the network, which is headquartered in Mornington, was to improve education, employment and career pathways for 10 to 19 year olds. ‘‘It’s a not-for-profit organisation funded through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. ‘‘Essentially, we are a partnership broker. We broker the partnerships with schools, education, community, families, parents, and industry to improve outcomes for these young people,’’ Ms Smith said. ‘‘It is all about building those partnerships that will hopefully enhance the opportunities for the young people. ‘‘It has been a successful program. We still have some barriers and issues but the overall employment and education for young people has increased every year.’’ Since its inception, there has been marked improvement in articulation from year 12 to university, 85 partnerships around Koori young people, 65 partnerships focused on disability, 94 partnerships about parental engagement in education and VCAL enrolments have doubled since 2005. Network membership is open to any individual or organisation, including parents and families who work with, or have a contribution to make, towards improving the outcomes of young people in this age group.
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Helping local youth: Frances Menzies and Carol Smith with one of the case files at Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network.
The network has 400 members from a range of areas, including primary and secondary schools, local government, indigenous representative bodies, industry peak bodies, local businesses, individuals, employer groups, community groups, registered training organisations and education providers. The network’s board is represented by a crosssection of the community, and a lot of work is done out in the field rather than in the office. ‘‘Most of us are teachers or those who have done leadership or management,’’ Ms Smith said. ‘‘You need to be a good communicator and be flexible, making the young person the centre of all your work. ‘‘It is important to be current with what the issues are with young people at the time.’’
Community Partnership Award Presented by Bendigo Bank THE FINALISTS Dress for Success Mornington Quest Frankston Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network THE WINNER Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network
Picture: Gary Sissons
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