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Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network

Connecting schools, industry and community, to improve outcome in education, training, and employment for young people.

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Education. Training. Employment.

Northern Mallee LLEN is a not-for-profit organisation that works closely with schools, students, and the industry to identify gaps in education and training, provide advice on local and state-wide policy issues at both the strategic and operational level and broker cross sector partnerships to better support young people. Funded by the State Government, Northern Mallee LLEN is one of the 31 LLENs across Victoria that were established in 2001 with the objective of improving career pathways for young people.

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Industry Insights - Mildura Senior College Industry Panels Day

A standout feature of Term 3 for Northern Mallee LLEN was the delivery of the Mildura Senior College Industry Panels Day, which provided students with the opportunity to hear directly from our School to Work Host Employers (Industry Partners) and training providers across a range of sectors.
 
The panel format was a new Northern Mallee LLEN initiative in 2026 that was presented to students as they consider post-secondary careers. The concept was based on a blended industry approach to capture a diverse range of occupations across industry sectors in the Mallee Region that often accommodate cross sectorial employment opportunities. Cross sectorial employment opportunities develop high level transferable skills learned in one job or study area that you can move and use in a completely different role or industry. The Panel Event was designed by Northern Mallee LLEN with Mildura Senior College Careers and Industry Engagement Team.
 
The panelists provided preferred questions that were supported by meaningful conversations about career pathways, workplace expectations, employability skills, and the opportunities available within our region. Northern Mallee LLEN EO Dale Harvey compared the panels. Students gained first-hand insights into different industries, allowing them to ask questions, learn about real career journeys, and better understand the qualifications and experiences valued by employers. The panels also highlighted the importance of building connections between education, training and employment, helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways while strengthening engagement between schools and local industry.
Mildura Senior College Industry Panels Day, first group photograph Mildura Senior College Industry Panels Day, second group photograph
Industry Insights

Meet Our Industry Panellists

Industry partners and training providers sharing real-world career insights with students.

Panel 01

Business Services, Construction, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism and Digital Media and Technology

  • Lior MaisnerMiddleton Maisner Legal
  • Sam ThorpMildura Working Man's Club
  • Jo RoddaWentworth Council & Tourism
  • Ben WilkensonE-Managed
  • Talessha BeerBigfoot Construction
  • Peter ArgiroBigfoot Construction
  • Amanda LoweBusiness Services, SuniTAFE
Panel 02

Health, Allied Health, Community Services & Creative Industries

  • Toni SullivanMildura Disability Support
  • Tennille GrayShine Bright
  • Stef DeskovicMildura Base Public Hospital
  • Jayne HuntNursing, SuniTAFE
  • Cathryn WakefieldAllied Health, SuniTAFE
  • Carolyn TaitCommunity Services, SuniTAFE
  • Erika DowdSunraysia Community Health Services

Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections over the next 3 years for the Mallee Region and state were provided and discussed to support panel conversations.

Thank you to our event partners at Mildura Senior College and from Industry and Training.

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VIC VICE Sessions
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School Staff
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Industry & Guest Speakers
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Managed Work Placements
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Workplace Visits
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GET VET EOI
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KMs Travelled (outside of Mildura)
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Industry Immerson
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Work Placement Workshops
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Work placement Case Study Feature

Ella, Mildura Specialist School Year 12 student at Work Experience placement with Agromillora Australia.
Dates: 17 to 21 November 2025
Student: Ella
School: Mildura Specialist School
Teacher: Paul Trevaskis
Placement Role: Horticulture Nursery Trades Assistant
Host Employer Contact: Jessica Moore

Ella was identified as work‑experience ready through Mildura Specialist School’s School to Work Program. With support from her coordinator, she selected a horticulture placement via the School to Work Portal. Following consultation between the school, Northern Mallee LLEN and Agromillora, the placement was confirmed. Ella completed a site visit, met staff, and finalised required documentation. Her placement was supported by the school’s ongoing involvement in Northern Mallee LLEN programs, including workplace learning, mock interviews, horticulture immersion and
industry engagement activities.

Student Experience 

Ella successfully completed a five‑day placement, gaining practical skills in nursery operations including potting, watering, soil testing and plant assessment. She developed an understanding of workplace expectations, safety procedures and employability skills, and valued participating in weekly agronomy walks. Ella built professional connections during the placement, leading to discussions about future casual employment. She reported a positive experience and plans to pursuea Certificate in Work Education at SuniTAFE while seeking part‑time work in 2026.