The North Central LLEN is celebrating a major milestone since partnering with the Department of Education to support sixty local students to commence school-based apprenticeships and traineeships through the Head Start program over the past three years.
This achievement reflected the strength of a collaborative approach across the region, bringing together schools, employers, training providers and families to create meaningful, supported career pathways for young people. It is a shared success, made possible by industry partners who continue to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.
Head Start supports students in Years 10 to 12 to undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) while completing their VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC.
Students combine paid employment and on-the-job training with their secondary schooling, working toward a nationally recognised qualification and building real-world skills along the way.
North Central LLEN’s Head Start Co-ordinator and Career Practitioners deliver the program across the Buloke and Loddon Shires and St Arnaud in the Northern Grampians Shire, providing tailored pathway planning and one-on-one support to help students successfully balance school, training, and employment.
Each student benefits from personalised career planning, quality-assured training and ongoing guidance from a dedicated Head Start Co-ordinator, ensuring they are “work ready” and can confidently balance school, training, and employment.
Head Start students are building their futures across a diverse range of industries including childcare, hair and beauty, agriculture, automotive, mechanics, building and construction, landscaping, plumbing, and engineering.
North Central LLEN CEO, Jane Hosking, said the milestone highlights the power of partnership in action.
“Facilitating pathways for over 60 students across our region is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of our schools, employers, training providers, and families working together to support young people to succeed.
“Our industry partners play a vital role in opening their doors, mentoring students, and helping them build the skills our region needs. Together, we are ensuring young people can complete their schooling while gaining a genuine head start on their careers,” she said.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the many schools, employers and industry partners who have supported these students, your commitment is shaping futures and strengthening our local workforce,” said Ms Hosking.
Students interested in the Head Start program can speak with their school careers practitioner to explore pathway opportunities and connect with the local Head Start Co-ordinator.
For more information, contact the North Central LLEN on 03 5491 1144, email ncllen@ncllen.or.au, or visit www.ncllen.org.au.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 7 May 2026.
