About us
Empowering young people to realise their potential.
Our 2024 Annual Report is available!
Our Purpose
We are a non-profit empowering young people to make informed decisions about their future and helping them realise their potential. We aim to connect schools, industry, jobseekers and community to improve career pathways and employment opportunities that meet the needs of young people and local industries in our region.
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We service the local government areas of Greater Geelong, Surfcoast, Queenscliff, Golden Plains (southern) Shires and beyond.
We are funded by the Department of Education primarily as a School to Work program provider. We also seek further funding to support jobseekers in the region through various initiatives.
We engage with industry, schools, community, and stakeholders to build connections that support access to work-based learning opportunities.
In addition to this we work with education, training, and employers to build the workforce in trending industries to support sustainable employment in our local region.
The core of our business is carried out through the following types of activity:
- Structured Workplace Learning – on the job training that allows students to develop work skills and understand employer expectations.
- Brokering partnerships with school and industry.
- Brokering partnerships with further education training providers in the region.
- Facilitating the Geelong Inclusion Network (G.I.N).
- Facilitating the Passport to Employment Program (P2E) – supporting young people with disabilities.
- Provide regular regional updates on trending industries, workplace data and job vacancies in the region through the Geelong Careers website.
- Collaborating with other regional projects like Skilling the Bay and Grow to develop an early entry workforce model.
- Developing and promoting resources to assist schools to prepare young people for work.
- Facilitating industry immersions.
- Supporting VET in schools and the delivery of education department’s Senior Secondary Pathways Reforms related to work-based learning and industry exposure.
Meet the team
Acting CEO Her career includes roles such as Planner and Community Transition Support Worker with DHHS, NDIS Navigator, Career and Transition Coordinator with the Department of Education, and Employment Coordinator with a not-for-profit organisation. Across these roles, Courtney has supported people to navigate services, access supports, and build confidence in their own abilities. As a Career Advisor, Courtney has guided individuals through the apprenticeship and traineeship cycle, helping them identify career pathways that align with their strengths and aspirations. She has delivered work readiness and employment sessions to secondary schools, community groups, and TAFE providers, empowering people to become job-ready and confident in their career journey. Courtney holds a Certificate IV in Career Development and Advanced Diplomas in Disability and Community Services, underpinning her person-centred, strengths-based approach. She brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to her role at GRLLEN and looks forward to continuing to create inclusive opportunities where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential. 0428 031 429 Project Officer/Partnership Broker - SWL Team Jo works with secondary schools within the Geelong Region supporting students in finding quality work placements for students. Jo has established excellent relationships with local employers within the Geelong and South West Region and is striving to give students the best opportunities to achieve their life goals. Jo has been working within the Employment and Training Industry sector for 27 years and is passionate about helping people achieve their employment goals. 0430 855 914 Project Officer - SWL Team Claire is a Project Officer in our SWL team. Leading the way in managing the Department of Education's portal for Structured Workplace Learning, Claire’s ten plus years of experience in the apprenticeship sector gives her a great insight into employment support in the Geelong region. Working with local employers and secondary schools to give students the best opportunities for Structured Workplace learning, Claire is focused on connecting businesses and students to their future work. Project and Engagement Officer Rabia Shahzad has joined GRLLEN as Project Officer, bringing 10+ years of experience in program development, stakeholder collaboration, and operational efficiency. With a strong background in education and workforce development, Rabia is set to contribute significantly to GRLLEN's mission. She has demonstrated a talent for designing and delivering impactful programs that enhance community engagement and accessibility. Rabia has a proven ability to forge meaningful partnerships, bringing together industry, education, and community stakeholders to drive sustainable outcomes. Her skills in financial oversight, compliance, and team leadership will be valuable assets to GRLLEN. Rabia is known for her innovative approach, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. Rabia is results-driven focus and look forward to contribute in creating positive change in education, training, and community empowerment at GRLLEN.
Courtney Schroder
Bio
cschroder@grllen.com.au
Jo Harris
Bio
jharris@grllen.com.au
Claire Wells
Bio

Rabia Shahzad
Bio
Admin & VET Cluster Coordinator Support Mayan is currently working as admin support at GRLLEN, both with the GRLLEN team and with the VET Cluster Coordinator in the Geelong region. Mayan has worked as a maths and food technology teacher since 2017, transitioning to VET trainer in 2025 and has enjoyed moving to new schools and teams through her teaching career. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mayan was an events coordinator, project manager and volunteer. Giving students a voice, advice and career guidance motivates Mayan, as well as leading by example, being organised and authentic. In her spare time, Mayan re-designs homes she sees on Real Estate websites and comes up with much better lay-outs for her imaginary refurbishments, mostly based on better kitchen designs, so she can cook for a crowd easily. Project and Engagement Officer Grace’s work centres on community development and the practical delivery of programs, large and small. She has worked across remote communities in the Northern Territory and South Australia, supporting the implementation of culturally responsive education practices led by local communities. Her work is grounded in practical action, strong relationships, and a belief that people deserve more than talk.
Mayan Rowling
Bio

Grace G.E.
Bio
Chair Belinda is currently a senior lecturer within the Graduate Employment division of Deakin University, responsible for uplifting curriculum to improve the graduate outcomes for students. With 15 years of experience working in the education and IT sectors, lecturing into ICT, strategic management and ethics disciplines, Belinda has engaged in leadership and governance centric roles in both public and private education providers. Throughout various engagements, she has led higher education compliance audits, developed and led the implementation of strategic employment plans and developed policy to ensure their ongoing compliance. Belinda’s passion for education has extended beyond the workplace into voluntary roles and her current research focuses on the application of technology and innovative frameworks to enhance the student experience while increasing employability. With a keen interest to give back to the local community she hopes that her experience, research and skill set will contribute positively toward GRLLEN’s mission and core business. Deputy Chair With a career in the Educational sector that spans more than 36 years, Alan’s experience includes a foundation in teaching (English, History, Geography and Human Development), and roles as Assistant Principal, Principal in multiple schools, Educational Advisor and Consultant. He has worked in both public and private schools in Australia (Barwon South Western and Melbourne), South Asia, China and the Arabian Gulf states, particularly Qatar. Treasurer Scott is a self-made entrepreneur, having invented, designed, created and grown his own businesses. He has identified and commercialised opportunities both nationally and globally in a wide range of sectors and scales over the past 35 years. He has also been employed as a CEO or COO in growing other organisations, on the world stage (Global fortune 500). He holds a range of qualifications, in science, architecture, construction, geology, meteorology, horticulture, behavioural psychology, neuro linguistic programming (NLP), integral-semantics, leadership, project management, and training and facilitation. Scott is an internationally qualified and accredited personal development and business coach, mentor and facilitator. (Meta-NLP Master-Practitioner) As a qualified company director (GAICD), Scott sits on several boards and advisory boards (both non-profit and commercial) – where he brings ‘real world’ experience in the form of strategy, commercial acumen, governance, oversight, risk assessment and mitigation, and strategic financial management skills, in addition to highly developed communication, stakeholder, and relationship building skills. Board Member Anne Brackley is a neighbourhood house coordinator with 15 years experience of community engagement and education. She has over 40 years experience as a guide leader and 45 years experience on Governance committees mainly for non profits. Anne currently holds board positons at The Potato Shed, Geelong Cemeteries Trust, Drysdale Bowling and Croquet Club, Bellarine Historical Society, Community Newspapers Association of Victoria and Geelong LLEN.
Dr. Belinda Moloney
Bio

Alan Davis
Bio

Scott Brown
Bio

Anne Brackley OAM
Bio
Board Member As a leader of a large local Secondary school, I believe I can complement the skills of the GRLLEN Board to sustain ways in which to unlock new opportunities, monitor performance and actively engage with research in order to sustain an informed approach to continuous improvement and sound governance. Board Member Rebecca has sat on the board of the MS Society SA/NT and has undertaken numerous other roles, including but not limited to the Presidency, for the Law Society of South Australia. Rebecca has also served on advisory boards, nominations and education committees for organisations such as Flinders University Law School, the Women Lawyers Association SA and the YWCA of Adelaide. Board Member Georgina has recently worked as Manager of Regional Engagement across Sth West Victoria. Georgina also has an extensive background in the higher education and skills area along with considerable experience working in ACFE and Learn Local education programs. Board Member My work as Jobs Skills and Pathways Manager Barwon for the Department of Education closely aligns with the work of GRLLEN. That is, providing opportunities and supporting young people into successful careers. Board Member As a GRLLEN board member, I am driven by a singular mission – to champion the cause of youth empowerment and equip the next generation with the tools and resources needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional opportunities. My passion for mentorship and youth advocacy aligns seamlessly with the board's mission to empower individuals and promote inclusivity in career opportunities. I am eager to leverage my network and experiences to forge partnerships and initiatives that expand access to education, training, and employment opportunities for all members of our community.
Wayne Johannesen
Bio

Rebecca Sandford
Bio

Georgina Ryder
Bio

Scott Hucker
Bio

Stacie Ponomarenko
Bio
Our History
Our organisation was formed originally under the name ‘Smart Geelong Regional Local Learning and Employment Network’ in June 2001 with the mandate to grow post- compulsory education and training and enable it to better adapt to industry and community needs.
The initiative was statewide with 31 LLEN’s formed at the same time. Our initial CEO was Annie Ryan who was a passionate advocate for the community and served from 2001 to 2020.
Much of our focus has always been centred around supporting young people, creating connections to education, industry and community. We have run many programs throughout ouir 20 years and have adapted to support the ever-changing needs of the Geelong community.
VicLLENs
We’re a part of the Victorian Local Learning and Employment Networks (VicLLENs) which is the collaboration and collective voice of Victoria’s 31 LLENs, covering every corner of the state.
