Table of Contents 1. Chair’s Report 2. Executive Officer’s Report 3. 2025 At a Glance 4. Workplace Learning Outcomes 5. Reimagining Work Experience 6. Speed X 7. Eastern Metropolitan VET Cluster 8. Industry Partnerships 9. Disability and Inclusive Pathways 10. Regional Collaboration 11. Looking Ahead 12. Governance 13. Acknowledgements 14. Financial Summary     Chair’s Report It is my pleasure to present the Gateway LLEN Annual Report for 2025. This year has been one of significant achievement, innovation and collaboration as Gateway LLEN has continued to strengthen connections between education, industry and community across Melbourne’s eastern region. The changing nature of work, ongoing workforce challenges and evolving education reforms continue to reinforce the importance of creating meaningful pathways for young people. Gateway LLEN’s work has never been more relevant and I am proud of the LLEN’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to opportunities that support successful transitions from school to further education, training and employment. Throughout 2025, Gateway LLEN continued to demonstrate the value of place-based leadership and partnership. Through strong relationships with schools, employers, local government, community organisations and government agencies, the organisation has successfully delivered innovative programs that connect young people with industry, develop employability skills and broaden awareness of future career opportunities. One of the highlights of the year has been the continued growth of the Reimagining Work Experience initiative. By creating immersive and engaging industry experiences, Gateway LLEN has enabled students to explore a wide range of occupations and industries in ways that extend beyond traditional workplace learning models. These experiences are helping young people make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening connections between education and industry. The ongoing success of Speed X, workplace learning initiatives and the implementation of the Eastern Metropolitan VET Cluster further demonstrate Gateway LLEN’s ability to respond to emerging needs and deliver practical outcomes for students, schools and employers alike. I am also pleased to acknowledge the organisation’s commitment to inclusion and equity. Programs supporting students with disability, as well as initiatives that increase access to pathways for diverse cohorts of young people, continue to be a central focus of Gateway LLEN’s work. The success of the Heatherwood Futures Expo is a powerful example of our organisation’s commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to information, opportunities and support to achieve their aspirations. On behalf of the Committee of Management, I would like to thank the many schools, employers, industry partners, local councils, community organisations and government representatives who have contributed to Gateway LLEN’s success throughout the year. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Executive Officer Bronwen Henry for her leadership, dedication and vision. Under Bronwen’s leadership, Gateway LLEN has continued to strengthen its strategic partnerships, expand opportunities for young people and position itself strongly for future growth and reform. Finally, I thank my fellow Committee of Management members for their commitment, expertise and governance throughout the year. As we look ahead to the implementation of School to Work reforms and further changes across the education and employment landscape, Gateway LLEN is well positioned to continue its important role in supporting young people to navigate their pathways with confidence. Together, we are helping to build stronger communities, stronger partnerships and brighter futures for young people across our region.   Angela Hoare-Lippmann Chair at Gateway LLEN   Executive Officer’s Report 2025 has been a year of innovation, collaboration and growth for Gateway LLEN. As Victoria’s education and training landscape continues to evolve, Gateway LLEN has remained focused on its core purpose: connecting young people, schools, employers and communities to create meaningful pathways into further education, training and employment. Throughout the year, Gateway LLEN strengthened its position as a trusted regional broker between education and industry; delivering high-quality workplace learning opportunities, developing innovative industry immersion programs, supporting vocational education pathways and building strategic partnerships that respond to emerging workforce needs. Our work has been guided by extensive consultation with schools, industry, government and community stakeholders. This engagement has ensured that our activities remain responsive to local priorities while aligning with broader Victorian Government education and workforce reform agendas. The results achieved throughout 2025 demonstrate the value of place-based partnership approaches. Through collaboration with schools, employers, government agencies and community organisations, Gateway LLEN has continued to expand opportunities for young people to explore careers, develop employability skills and make informed decisions about their future pathways. I am particularly proud of the partnerships that underpin our work. Whether through innovative workplace learning opportunities, immersive industry experiences, regional VET initiatives or disability pathway programs, Gateway LLEN continues to create opportunities that help young people build confidence and make successful transitions beyond school. As we move into a period of significant reform through the Victorian Government’s School to Work initiatives, Gateway LLEN remains committed to ensuring that local young people, schools and employers continue to benefit from strong partnerships and high-quality pathway opportunities. I thank our Committee of Management, staff, schools, industry partners, community organisations and government stakeholders for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout the year. Together, we are creating pathways, building aspirations and strengthening futures.   Bronwen Henry Executive Officer at Gateway LLEN 2025 At a Glance Key Outcomes · 377 Structured Workplace Learning placements facilitated · 115% of annual placement target achieved · More than 200 students participated in Reimagining Work Experience activities · More than 320 students participated in Speed X · More than 800 attendees at the Heatherwood Post School Options Expo · 103 exhibitors participated in the Expo · New strategic partnerships established with Eastern Health, Terra Verde and AMTIL · Continued implementation of the Eastern Metropolitan VET Cluster   Workplace Learning Outcomes Structured Workplace Learning remains one of Gateway LLEN’s most significant contributions to supporting successful student transitions. In 2025, Gateway LLEN worked extensively with schools, employers and community stakeholders to increase access to workplace learning opportunities through the School to Work Portal. The organisation exceeded its annual placement target, facilitating 377 student placements and achieving 115% of the contracted KPI. These outcomes were achieved through ongoing employer engagement, support for school staff, promotion of workplace learning opportunities and strong collaboration with industry partners across priority sectors. This success reflects both the commitment of local employers and the effectiveness of Gateway LLEN’s longstanding relationships across the region. Gateway LLEN also continued to support schools through professional learning opportunities, School to Work Portal capability sessions and ongoing guidance regarding workplace learning reforms and requirements.   Reimagining Work Experience One of the year’s most significant achievements was the continued expansion of the Reimagining Work Experience initiative. Developed in response to school consultation and recommendations arising from the Firth Review, this innovative program provides students with immersive industry experiences that extend beyond traditional work experience models. Industry partners included: · Hawthorn Football Club · RSPCA Victoria · Victoria Police · Endota Spa · Port of Melbourne Authority · Surveying Taskforce Victoria · Victorian Tunnelling Centre · Café Education · Suburban Rail Loop Authority · Terra Verde · Eastern Health More than 200 students participated across multiple industry experiences throughout the year. Students explored workplaces, met industry professionals, participated in practical activities and gained valuable insight into future career opportunities. The program has become a flagship example of innovative school-industry engagement and demonstrates Gateway LLEN’s ability to respond to changing educational and workforce needs.       Speed X Speed X continued to be one of Gateway LLEN’s most successful employer engagement programs. Delivered in partnership with Manningham Council and Novotel Glen Waverley, the initiative provides VCE Vocational Major students with direct access to employers in a structured networking environment. The program enables students to practice communication skills, build interview confidence, explore career pathways and develop professional networks. Manningham Speed X · 172 students participated · 39 employers engaged · 5 schools involved Employer satisfaction was exceptional, with 100% rating the event as excellent and expressing interest in returning in 2026. Monash Speed X · 156 students participated · 31 employers engaged · 7 schools involved Across both events, more than 320 students engaged directly with over 70 employers, creating valuable opportunities for industry engagement, career exploration and pathway planning.   Eastern Metropolitan VET Cluster Gateway LLEN continued to play a leading role in strengthening vocational education across Melbourne’s eastern region. A major achievement during 2025 was the ongoing implementation of the Eastern Metropolitan VET Cluster (EMVC). Building on successful establishment work completed in 2024, Gateway LLEN supported the transition to the new Victorian Department of Education cluster model and facilitated enhanced collaboration between schools, improved access to vocational pathways and professional development opportunities. Gateway LLEN also worked closely with the EMVC Governance Group, the Department of Education staff, VET cluster partners and regional stakeholders to ensure vocational education remained responsive to local workforce needs.     If you wish to become a member of the EMVC, please fill in the EMVC Membership form and return to ddwyer@emvc.com.au Become an EMVC Member     Industry Partnerships Partnership development remained a strategic priority throughout 2025.   New partnerships established during the year included: · Eastern Health · Terra Verde · Suburban Rail Loop East · Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) These partnerships expand opportunities for young people while ensuring Gateway LLEN remains responsive to emerging industry sectors and future workforce demands. Partnerships across health, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, community services and animal care have created meaningful opportunities for students to engage directly with employers and industry professionals.     Employer Highlight: In 2025, Gateway LLEN supported over 100 students to gain hands-on experience in Vinnies retail stores, with placements across the state ranging from Mont Albert, Cranbourne, Sale, and Geelong.   Disability and Inclusive Pathways Creating equitable pathways for all young people remains central to Gateway LLEN’s work.   A standout achievement was the Heatherwood Futures Expo. The event attracted more than 800 attendees and featured 103 exhibitors representing TAFE providers, disability employment services, supported employment organisations and community organisations. The Expo provided students, families and educators with access to critical information and pathways support during a key transition period.   Gateway LLEN also continued to explore tailored workplace learning opportunities and disability-inclusive engagement programs designed to improve employment outcomes and increase participation in meaningful career pathways.       Regional Collaboration Gateway LLEN actively collaborated with other LLENs, Department of Education staff and regional stakeholders throughout the year. This included joint planning with Eastern Metropolitan LLENs, collaboration with Head Start and Department of Education teams and cross-regional work to strengthen pathways in priority industries and up-scale local partnerships and initiatives. These partnerships strengthen the overall education-to-employment ecosystem and ensure students benefit from coordinated regional approaches. Looking Ahead The Victorian Government’s proposed School to Work reforms present significant opportunities for Gateway LLEN and the communities we serve. As reforms increasingly emphasise employer engagement, workplace learning, vocational pathways, equity and inclusion, Gateway LLEN is well positioned to continue leading place-based partnership approaches that connect education, industry and community. Through strong governance, trusted relationships and a proven track record of delivery, Gateway LLEN will continue working alongside schools, employers, government and community partners to ensure every young person has access to meaningful opportunities and successful transitions beyond school. Together, we are creating pathways, building aspirations and strengthening futures.   Governance Gateway LLEN is an independent incorporated associations governed by volunteer Committee of Management (CoM). Our CoM includes representation from community members, education sectors, industry, and local government, ensuring that Gateway LLEN delivers place-based solutions for youth education and employment.   2025 Committee of Management: Angela Hoare-Lippmann, Community - Chair Michelle Thompson, Family Access Network - Deputy Chair Frank Perrone, Whitehorse City Council – Treasurer Rebecca Eames, Virtual Schools Victoria Ben Heard, Monash City Council Andrew Lawlor, AFL Sports Ready David Vastbinder, DPV Construction   View email in browser Copyright © 2026 Gateway LLEN, All rights reserved. 1030 Whitehorse Road Box Hill, 3128 Victoria, Australia Gateway LLEN acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we all work and live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community and pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.