BEGINNINGS

The Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network (HWLLEN) was incorporated on the 16 May, 2001 and the election of the first Committee of Management took place on June 28th and was attended by 17 members. Many meetings had been held prior to this date in response to the Brack's Government call for "Expressions of Interest" to form a LLEN. Initially the cities of Hume and Whittlesea explored broad options but eventually formed a successful partnership bid which was approved in the Phase 1 stage.

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Whilst it is always dangerous to single out individuals at the risk of overlooking others it would be remiss not to acknowledge the contribution of the Interim Chairperson, Mark Woodland, the then Manager, Economic Development, City of Hume. Mark also was a part of the Committee of Management and was a project workers of the Whittlesea Youth Commitment for their vision and dedication in developing the early concepts for this LLEN. Mr Steve Woodland Manager, Community Services, City of Whittlesea was the inaugural Public Officer. Several representatives attended a conference in February 2001 held to launch the Phase 1 LLENs.

 

In the following months, planning meetings were arranged to expand the membership in the lead up to the first General Meeting for Members and election of the Committee of Management. The inaugural Executive office bearers included, Chairperson Mr John Bennett, (Strategic Training and Employment Placement Services Pty (STEPS), Deputy Chair Dr John Fry, City of Whittlesea, Secretary Ms Jane Edwards, Northern Area Consultative Committee (NACC ) and Treasurer John Catto Smith, Workforceplus.

 

Project Officers were appointed to commence the operational work of establishing the LLEN. Initially, workers from the Whittlesea Youth Commitment were seconded to this task in the Whittlesea area based at RMIT, Bundoora and two additional workers were appointed in Hume. An office was established at "Workforceplus"in Broadmeadows in October.

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THE STRATEGIC PLAN

Following several public consultations the Strategic Plan 2001-03 was formulated and launched in early December. This special members meeting was held at the Hume City Council and was attended by more than 80 people who were presented with Membership certificates.

The Strategic plan was developed in concert with an Environmental Scan which provided information on key stakeholders and trend demographic and economic data.

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Engagement in post compulsory education in the region was also a focus of the study. The intention being that the collection of this data provides a commencement point and collection and analysis will continue as a core activity of the HWLLEN.

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WORKING GROUPS

Several working groups were formed to focus on various activities including; Compliance Sub-Committee, Finance Sub-Commitee, Committee of Management & EO Appraisal Sub-Committee & the Inheritance Sub-Committee.

The working groups are convened by Members of the Committee of Management and report regularly to the full Committee. Membership is also open to general members. This approach successfully builds on the expertise which the individual members bring to each of the areas of focus.

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INTO THE FUTURE

The Project Team continued to oversee the operational tasks until the appointment of the ongoing staff in April 2002. The appointment of ongoing staff brought to a close the establishment phase of the HWLLEN. This phase was characterised by enormous energy and dedication from the members of the inaugural Committee of Management who in turn were supported by their member organizations. This context of collaboration has provided a strong foundation for the future development of the Hume Whittlelsea LLEN.

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PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose and object of the Hume Whittlesea LLEN is:

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a. To foster post compulsory education and training within the community;
b. To better adapt post compulsory education and training to community needs.

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The Hume Whittlesea LLEN will pursue this by:

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1. Planning for the provision of post compulsory education, training and employment in the area with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of young people;

2. Assisting and collaborating in the planning for young peoples' needs and pathways;

3. Developing, encouraging and facilitating collaborative approaches towards planning and improved delivery of post compulsory education and training programs and services for better accommodating learning needs of the individual.

4. Promoting a connection between post compulsory education and training with industry and economic development and with local and regional employment and enterprise opportunities.

5. Promoting and facilitate the development of pathway plans and improved monitoring of the progress of people particularly young people as they undertake individual pathways;

6. Monitoring the level of participation, completions and outcomes for individuals in post compulsory education and training and in particular for groups of young people that currently have poor outcomes;

7. Promoting supporting and encouraging the provision of information and guidance to enable people to make well informed employment, education and training choices; and

8. Providing advice to the Commission (including advice on appropriate measures of outcomes and destinations for people for the purpose of facilitating the provision of appropriate educational services.