Change is constant...

Change is the one constant in our lives.  It can be scary and daunting, as we like the comfort and security of predictability, of knowing what’s coming next.  But change also presents opportunities for progress and for new and innovative ideas and solutions to be developed. 

Geelong has been undergoing a great deal of change in recent years, as the economy transitions from one mainly reliant on traditional heavy manufacturing to new trending industries.  There has been fear and uncertainty, with people entering the ranks of jobseekers who may previously had expected to have job security right through until retirement.  But the change and upheaval in our economy has given rise to many new opportunities.  New businesses have cropped up and are growing and thriving.  The dominant industries within the region have changed, and growth is being experienced by many new industries.  There are opportunities for new jobs, new skills, new growth in our economy, if we know where to look.  The next generation of jobseekers will enter an exciting and challenging world of work, and the current generation have the opportunity to transfer their existing skills into industries and roles they might not previously have considered.  But for our region’s jobseekers to be successful, they need support, information, and the tools to allow them to reach their full potential. Geelong Region LLEN sees our role within the region to provide that support, information and tools.  Here are a few of the things we are doing to support our region’s jobseekers:

Geelong Careers

Are you looking for work?  Changing careers?  Struggling to find that perfect role?  Well, Geelong Careers can help with that!  What is Geelong Careers, you ask?  Well, it’s a one-stop shop for ALL your local careers and jobs information.  Job listings, industry data, links to education and training and you can take it with you anywhere.  It’s open 24/7.  You don’t need to make an appointment, just switch on your computer, phone or mobile device and bam!  There we are.  Check out the latest information on eight trending industries in the Geelong region: transport and logistics, education, community services and health, building and construction, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, ICT and we are looking at adding creative industries soon.  Get online now: www.geelongcareers.org.au

Experience for Work

Trying to decide what career you want to pursue, or what industry you want to work in, can be daunting.  How do you know if you might like working in a particular role if you’ve never done it?  We can help with that!  With Experience for Work, you get the opportunity to ‘try out’ a career or industry by having an inspirational, immersive experience with a local employer.  Not only do you get to test the waters and see if you like it, you also get the chance to build your skills and knowledge, and build your network of contacts.  You never know, you might even end up with a job out of it!  For our local employers and businesses, by participating in Experience for Work, you can showcase your wonderful business and the opportunities within it to a local jobseeker.  We are always on the lookout for new businesses to work with, so check us out at www.experienceforwork.com.au  

Expansive Learning Network

  The Expansive Learning Network is a great forum for all members of the Geelong community with an interest in the future of our region and the issues that impact on all of us.   After a break of two years, the first ELN event for 2017 will focus on the gig economy, exploring how to navigate this new labour market trend.  As always, the focus of the Expansive Learning Network is on discussing ‘big picture’ topics, and will be followed up with creating working groups to tackle these issues in our local region.  Keep up to date with what’s coming up by following us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ELNGeelong

Research

Research underpins everything that we do at the Geelong Region LLEN.  Why is research important?  Well, it helps us see the big picture, recognise the trends, and see where our help is most needed and where our efforts should be focused.  We also think it’s important to share what we find with the wider Geelong community, so it can help inform the work of other groups and organisations in our region. 

Researcher-in-Residence program

This year will be the first time the GRLLEN has had Researchers-in-Residence.   It’s an exciting opportunity for the LLEN to benefit from the experience and insights that Meave and Atticus will bring.  Meave is working with us as part of her PhD focusing on youth unemployment, young people’s employability skills, innovation and enterprise.  Atticus is working with us as part of his Honours in Organisational Psychology, and is also Treasurer of Hero Town Geelong.  We hope to expand this program in future to include young researchers.

At the GRLLEN we are working to support our young people, to provide them with the information and experiences they need to enable them to make informed decisions about their futures.  If we can help you, or you see a way to join us, please contact us at admin@grllen.com.au