South East LLEN

We aim to help every local student connect their passions with real-world opportunities beyond school.
We know that young people need access to industry experience, mentoring, and career development while they’re still in school, yet many feel disconnected from their education or community and risk missing out.
South East LLENs help change this by bringing schools, businesses, and local networks together to support every young person in discovering their interests, building confidence, and gaining the skills they need to thrive in work and life.
There are many ways you can help young people prepare for their future;
⭐ Exploring structured workplace learning opportunities
⭐ Offer a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT).
⭐ Hosting inclusive work experience placements
⭐ Participate in a mock interview
⭐ Mentor a student
⭐ Understand and contribute to the skills and abilities of young people coming into your industry.
⭐ Share your story at a local school.
If you or your organisation would like to connect with South East LLENs please reach out to [email protected]
Together, we can create meaningful opportunities that help young people feel empowered, supported, and confident about their futures.

Star Program Open for Young People Across Australia Something Powerful
Applications are officially now open for the 2026 Sony & MMAD STAR Program.

Delivered in partnership with the Sony Foundation, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young creatives (aged 16–24) across Australia who have a passion for music but are currently overcoming significant personal hardships.

What is the STAR Program?

This isn’t just a music course; it’s a transformative mentorship designed to help young people unlock their potential and find a positive path forward. Participants will be mentored directly by:

Sony Music Professionals (Industry insights & career guidance)
Sony Artists (Creative inspiration)
MMAD Mentors (Holistic wellbeing & trauma-informed support)
Applications Close: April 15th 2026 Program Starts: MAY 2026

For more information contact [email protected]

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, apprenticeship providers, and GTOs at the Apprenticeship Gateway event hosted by SELLEN.

Register now for SELLEN’s First Apprenticeship Gateway Event

Wednesday 10th December | 1:30pm – 3:30pm

For school leavers who are serious about starting work, this event offers direct access to real career opportunities.

Helping Families Navigate Distressing Online Content
Online spaces should be safe—but sometimes children see violent or upsetting material. Parents and carers can help by:
🚫 Not sharing the content further
📢 Reporting it to the platform
🛡️ If needed, reporting to eSafety for removal or blocking in Australia
eSafety offers tailored support for children and teens, plus tools like parental controls to help families stay protected.

CREATE University Discovery Day
📅 Thursday 20 November 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Deakin University, Burwood Campus
Free bus from Dandenong + lunch included!
Deakin CREATE and DEAP invite refugee families in Melbourne’s southeast to a free day of exploration and inspiration
✨ Experience campus life
🧑‍⚕️ Join hands-on workshops in Health, Arts, Business & Law
🎓 Discover study pathways, scholarships & student support
🤝 Meet Deakin staff & students
CREATE (Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education) empowers refugee communities to rebuild careers through education, training & employment.
Register here - https://events.humanitix.com/create-university-discovery-day

The annual SELLEN South East Career and Try-a-Trade Expo is back at KCC Dog Park, Skye in 2026!
Early bird registrations opening soon — don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Stay tuned and save the date!

eSafety’s updated guidelines offer clear, practical steps to help parents, carers, and young people deal with harmful content and protect their digital wellbeing.
Sextortion is a growing digital threat—especially among young men.
Criminals use fake profiles to manipulate victims into sharing intimate content, then blackmail them. These tactics are calculated and cruel, often leaving young people feeling isolated and ashamed.
Support starts with awareness.
✔️ Encourage open conversations between parents and teens
✔️ Know how to respond: stop contact, seek help, and report
✔️ Use trusted resources to guide discussions around sexting and digital safety
As professionals, educators, and carers, we all have a role to play in protecting youth online. Let’s empower families with the tools and knowledge they need.

💪 Meet Dylan from Patterson River Secondary College!
Since May, he’s been building his skills at Aqua Pro Irrigation while working toward his Cert II in Building & Construction—and he’s sticking with it through the end of the year!
Dylan’s loved getting out of the classroom and into hands-on work, picking up trenching, pipe installation, pump servicing, and more. His biggest takeaway? “You gain so many new skills—and see how much effort goes into the job.”
Massive thanks to Corey and the Aqua Pro Irrigation crew for giving students like Dylan the chance to learn by doing! 👷‍♂️💧

Big shoutout to Matthew from Fountain Gate Secondary College!
He’s smashing it at his SWL placement with Executive Landscapes while completing his Cert II in Building & Construction. From irrigation to site plans, he’s learning the ropes and loving “the pride of a finished job.”
Thanks to Brett and the team at Executive Landscapes for supporting student success since 2017!

Driving Futures: Empowering Students in Automotive Careers

We’re proud to share the incredible impact of AMA Group’s partnership with SELLEN and Head Start! Since 2023, this collaboration has helped thousands of Victorian students explore career pathways in Automotive Collision Repair—and the results are amazing!

✅ 87 placements completed in just 6 months
✅ 11 students transitioned into apprenticeships
✅ Over 500 apprentices supported across Australia & NZ!

This program is giving young people the chance to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and kickstart their careers.

“AMA Group’s SBAT growth in Victoria has been remarkable and is attributed to the SELLEN and Head Start partnership that kicked off in January 2023 – thank you!” — Adina, Group Apprenticeship Manager

SELLEN has been actively participating in school expos, connecting with students to explore post-school career pathways. One of the highlights is the VIC VICE interactive virtual reality (VR) headsets— students always eager to immerse themselves in a range of industry experiences.

From childcare to engineering, diesel mechanics to dental assisting, VIC VICE gives secondary students the chance to see, touch, and experience different workplaces in a dynamic and engaging way.
🔗 Learn more about the VIC VICE virtual reality platform and how to book the headsets - https://lnkd.in/dcGxYT3R