A strategic partnership between two community-focused organisations is set to deliver high-quality vocational training directly to the Yarra Valley, addressing critical skills shortages in growing industries while keeping education accessible and local.
Pines Learning, a non-profit registered training organisation based in Doncaster East, has joined forces with Healesville Living and Learning Centre to offer Certificate III qualifications in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) and Early Childhood Education and Care. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in meeting the region’s workforce development needs without requiring residents to travel to metropolitan training facilities.
“There’s a growing demand for skilled workers in our region, and this partnership between Pines Learning and Healesville Living and Learning Centre is designed to meet that need through accessible, skills-based training,” Pines Learning’s CEO Sally Brennan said.
The partnership leverages the strengths of both organisations, combining Pines Learning’s educational expertise with the local community connections of Healesville Living and Learning Centre.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant, with significant demand across both the aged care sector and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), while early childhood education continues to be a growth area of the economy. These industries offer genuine local employment opportunities, making the training directly applicable to career prospects within the region.
What sets this program apart is its commitment to personalised student support. The smaller class sizes allow instructors to provide individualised support for every student, ensuring participants receive the attention and guidance needed to succeed in their chosen field.
“I struggled in the beginning because I hadn’t studied for over 10 years, but with the one-on-one support from the teacher and the regular check-in from the course coordinator, I soon found my rhythm and confidence,” Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care Student Joy said.
“I’m now halfway through my work placement, and they’ve offered me a job at the end of my qualification.”
The partnership stems from an ongoing collaboration initiated by Sally Brennan, CEO of Pines Learning, who has led the organisation since November 2022. Her vision of extending quality training opportunities beyond traditional metropolitan boundaries has found a natural partner in Healesville Living and Learning Centre’s commitment to community education.
Government assistance may be available to eligible students, making the qualifications more accessible to local residents. Information sessions are being scheduled to provide prospective students with detailed course information and enrolment guidance.
Classes will be conducted in Healesville, bringing professional-standard vocational education directly into the heart of the community. This local delivery model eliminates travel barriers while maintaining the high standards expected from nationally recognised qualifications.
For complete course information and contact details, refer to the advertisements featured at the bottom of this page.
