A learning and employment network fears it will be unable to help young people in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay find work or training programs beyond next year if the state government doesn’t commit to ongoing funding.
The government last week said it would provide Victoria’s 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) with $8 million to allow them to continue operating next year.
As reported by Star Weekly, LLENs faced having to close their doors after federal funding was cut in this year’s budget. WynBay LLEN had its budget slashed by $2.3 million.
Labor has promised to provide LLENs with a total of $32 million over four years if it wins November’s state election.
But the state government has committed to providing funding for only one year, saying it will seek new funding arrangements for 2016.
WynBay LLEN chairman Barry Harvey said the government’s decision left the network’s future in doubt.
The network fears about 16,000 students in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay will lose access to education, training and employment programs in the next 12 months if the state government doesn’t commit to providing more money.
“We are encouraged that Education Minister Martin Dixon has recognised the value of our work and we appreciate this announcement,, however funding for only one year creates uncertainty for us and for the young people we advocate for,” Mr Harvey said.
Youth unemployment in the western suburbs has risen to 13 per cent, while youth workers in Wyndham believe as many as 25 per cent of people under 25 in the area do not have jobs.
