While the BGK LLEN generally doesn't work directly with young people, we do work for young people. Therefore, it's important to outline why it is so vital that the Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston region partners together to support our local young people to achieve positive learning, earning and wellbeing outcomes.

The following information outlines the value of education and training, why a sucessful transition through and beyond school is important, the types of education and training available to children and young people, and where young people and those that care for them can go for information and support during the critical 10 - 19 years age range. 

Why is education, training and employment so important?

Australian and international research shows that the longer a young person stays in education or training, the better their employment, financial, social and emotional outcomes are likely to be. Completing increasingly advanced levels of education or training demonstrates to future employers or education providers that a young person has the drive and commitment to learn and apply information and ideas to achieve a variety of tasks and goals.

What is a successful transition and why is it important?

Generally young people between the ages of 10 – 19 go through a number of critical 'transition points' during these years. The first is their transition (or passage) from primary to secondary school. The second is usually their transition from middle secondary school years to their senior secondary schooling. The third is their transition out of school, which ideally sees them entering further education, training or employment. If these transitions aren't successfully managed or achieved young people are at risk of 'falling through the gaps', which may see them disengage or lose interest in their education, leave school early or engage in risky behaviours. Parents and families, schools, training institutions, community organisations and business can all play a part in assisting young people to have successful transitions.

The BGK LLEN is a key partner in a number of transition programs within the region which aim to provide parents with the knowledge and skills to support their child as their move through these transition points. The programs are:

• Secondary School Conversations. This program enables parents of children in Years 4 – 6 to come together and discuss issues, ask questions and share stories about their child's upcoming transition from primary school to secondary school. The BGK LLEN is partnering with local youth transition organisation 'Youth Connect' and Mordialloc Secondary College to develop and deliver this program in 2011 and beyond.
• Parents As Career Transition Supports (PACTS). PACTS is a series of workshops that assist parents to build knowledge, confidence and skills when it comes to supporting their child to make senior school education, careers and related decisions. The PACTS workshops are run by Youth Connect at individual schools and in community settings throughout the year. For more information contact Youth Connect on 03 9557 6233 or visit their website.
• Youth Connections. Young people who are experiencing difficulties with their education or who have left school prior to completion may be eligible for assistance through the 'Youth Connections' program managed by YouthXpress. The program provides a safety net for young people aged 13 – 19 who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from education. Services include flexible one-on-one case management and group support. Support is tailored to the young person's personal situation and aims to build resilience, while improving the personal skills and wellbeing of the young person. For more information contact YouthXpress on 1800 609 889 or visit their website.

What types of education and training are available to young people during the primary and secondary years?

During these developmental years most children and young people will participate in primary and secondary education. After completing their secondary education, some young people will go on to further training (such as TAFE) or education (such as University), while others may pursue a combination of work and training (such as an apprenticeship).

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) outlines what is important for all Victorian students to learn and develop during their time at school from Prep to Year 10. They provide a clear set of common state-wide standards which schools use to plan student learning programs, assess student progress and report to parents.

Within Victoria there are a number of senior school qualifications available, which students participate in during Years 11 and 12 – the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). For more information about these qualifications it is best to speak to a secondary school staff member of consult the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) website.

All Victorian students are required to complete Year 10 and remain in some form of education or training until the age of 17.

Types of education and training available to young people post-school

Beyond secondary school young people may be eligible to attend further training or education, provided they meet the entry requirements for their desired course. Some may attend a Registered Training Provider (such as a TAFE) to undertake a Certificate or Diploma level qualification - information about skills training is available through Skills Victoria. Other young people may attend a University to commence Bachelor level education, with information about University entry and arrangements available through the national Going to Uni website.

Information for young people and the people who support them

It is important to note that the BGK LLEN does not work directly with young people - instead we support and partner with those organisations that have the most relevant expertise or experience to deliver a program or service. There are a few resources or parts of this website that can provide further information and the people who support them, including:

• Websites and Journals page - lists a large number and variety of local, Victorian and national bodies that provide information and/or services for young people and their parents/carers during the critical 10-19 years age range.
• Events Calender - lists a wide range of both BGK LLEN and partner events which may be of interest to young people, parents and families, education and training providers and community organisations.
• 'Who, What, Where – your guide to all the important stuff in the BGK region' - this handbook provides information about the final years of schooling, post-school education and training, work, money management, housing, rights and responsibilities as a young adult, driving, health and relationships. The handbook provides both information and a guide to local services and, while the book's primary audience is young people aged 15 – 19, it is also a useful reference or referral guide for parents, organisations and community members. To order one of more copies, contact the BGK LLEN.