The organisation

Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (Central Ranges LLEN), based in Wallan, works across the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires and is one of 31 LLENs across Victoria. Our vision is that all young people are involved in education, training or meaningful employment. We strive to make the outcomes for young people everyone’s business.

As part of the Education State commitment of the Victorian Government, the Department of Education and Training (DET) has funded Central Ranges LLEN until the end of 2019 to develop and support sustainable partnerships, strategies and activities that assist young people who are at risk of disengaging or who have already disengaged from education and training.

Central Ranges LLEN is also funded to deliver the Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) program until early 2018, with the possibility of renewed funding in future years. The SWL program involves creating sustainable partnerships with local industries and employers and facilitating access to structured workplace learning opportunities for VET, VCAL and SBAT students.

In 2016, Central Ranges LLEN launched the highly successful ‘100 Ways in 100 Days’ campaign (www.100ways.com.au), generating 158 new opportunities for young people and impacting 513 lives. Similar campaigns are planned for 2017.

The role

Central Ranges LLEN seeks a dynamic and highly motivated Industry Engagement Manager to lead our ‘100 Ways in 100 Days’ campaigns, direct engagement and relationship building with local industries and employers to secure their ongoing involvement in the SWL program and other LLEN activities (e.g. mentoring, careers expos, ‘try-a-trade’ days).

This ‘in-the-field’ role will involve extensive travel throughout the three shires and regular on-site meetings and campaign activities with employers, schools and other stakeholders, including occasional commitments outside normal business hours. The role also includes a workspace at the Central Ranges LLEN office in Wallan.

The duties of the role include:

• Engaging employers, schools and other stakeholders to develop sustainable partnerships that improve the outcomes for young people
• Facilitating access to appropriate SWL placements for students undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) as part of their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)
• Facilitating engagement between schools and employers, and supporting schools to work directly with employers to place students into SWL placements
• Developing and managing a database of employers and maintaining regular communication through appropriate channels
• Monitoring and maintaining information on a statewide online portal to ensure it is current and meaningful
• Identifying local industry needs and priorities for appropriate SWL placements
• Sourcing local SWL placements for difficult to place students
• Collaborating with schools and other service providers to provide young people with holistic, integrated support to assist them to engage (or re-engage) in education and training
• Other duties as required by the CEO in response to a rapidly changing environment.

Our team

The Industry Engagement Manager will work as part of a small collaborative team and report to the CEO. From time to time it may be necessary for the Industry Engagement Manager to supervise other staff, contractors, students, interns and volunteers.

Selection criteria

1. Extensive experience and achievements in industry engagement, relationship management, sales, marketing or a related field, including engaging and negotiating with senior managers and business owners.
2. Knowledge of applied learning, vocational education & training, employment and transition issues relating to secondary students and other young people.
3. Understanding of and commitment to young people at risk of disengaging or disengaged from school and training.
4. Highly developed interpersonal communication skills, including taking initiative, negotiating and building rapport.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in a small team and work independently on a regular basis.
6. Strong written communication skills, including the preparation of briefs, letters, emails, website content, plans, reports, etc. using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.

Desirable

A qualification in education, training, youth work, career development or a related discipline is desirable but not essential.

Other

A current driver’s licence is essential. A Working with Children Check is also required, but can be applied for following appointment.

Contractual period

12 months with a possible extension if funding for the SWL program is renewed by the Department of Education and Training. A probationary period of three months applies.

Hours of work

This role is offered as either full time or part time, depending on the right candidate. Full time = 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (or pro-rata for part time).

Annual leave = four weeks (pro rata for part time).

Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm (negotiation of start and finish times is possible) with flexibility to allow for participation in occasional meetings and functions that occur outside scheduled work hours.

Remuneration

An attractive remuneration package is available commensurate with experience and effectiveness. The package includes 9.5% superannuation and use of a fully maintained 2016 Toyota Prius V (including personal use), iPhone 7 and Apple laptop.

Download the position description and key selection criteria below.