Schools

Connect your students with real local pathways

NELLEN works with schools across north-east Victoria to connect students with employers, industries, workplace learning, pathway programs and practical career experiences.

NELLEN in your school

For government secondary schools, NELLEN’s Industry Connections and School to Work Coordinator works alongside careers advisors, VET coordinators, local employers and Head Start to support students with school-to-work pathways.

Non-government schools in the NELLEN footprint can access NELLEN programs, industry experiences, workplace learning opportunities, events and resources on a program basis.

01

In-school connection

NELLEN works alongside school staff to support practical, local school-to-work pathways.

02

Support for students with additional needs

We help students who may need extra support to explore options, build confidence and take their next step.

03

Employer and industry links

We connect schools with local employers, industries and real workplace learning opportunities.

04

Coordination with Head Start and pathway partners

We work with Head Start and other partners to support students moving into apprenticeships, traineeships and work pathways.

Industry experiences

NELLEN helps schools connect students with real industries through talks, workshops, site visits, VR career experiences, careers events and hands-on tasters.

All year levels

Industry speakers and workshops

Best suited to year levels

Years 7–12.

Format

In-class, online or event-based talks, workshops and Q&A sessions.

Typical length

30–60 minutes.

Booking notice

Book at least 5 weeks ahead where possible.

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Years 7–8 Years 9–10

VIC VICE VR careers library

Best suited to year levels

Years 7–10, especially middle-years career exploration.

Format

VR headset rotations using 360-degree workplace experiences.

Typical length

45–60 minutes per session.

Booking notice

Book at least 4 weeks ahead.

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Years 9–10 Years 11–12

Site visits

Best suited to year levels

Years 9–12.

Format

Small group visit to a local workplace, business or industry site.

Typical length

1–3 hours, depending on the workplace.

Booking notice

Book at least 6 weeks ahead to allow host coordination.

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Years 9–10 Years 11–12

Careers events and expos

Best suited to year levels

Years 9–12, with some events suitable for younger students.

Format

Career expo, industry showcase, provider event or employer Q&A.

Typical length

Half-day or full-day event.

Booking notice

Check event dates early and register before places close.

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Years 9–10

Industry tasters

Best suited to year levels

Years 9–10.

Format

Hands-on activity, practical demonstration or short industry experience.

Typical length

1–3 hours, depending on the activity.

Booking notice

Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for specialised activities.

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Two people wearing virtual reality headsets and holding controllers interact in a library or classroom setting.

VIC VICE VR careers library

VIC VICE gives students an immersive look inside real workplaces through virtual reality career experiences.

  • Community services

  • Health

  • Manufacturing

  • Transport and logistics

  • Building and construction

  • Agriculture

Work-based learning

NELLEN supports schools and students to access structured workplace learning, work experience, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and managed placement opportunities.

Years 10–12

Work experience

Best suited to year levels

Mostly Years 10–12, depending on school readiness and workplace availability.

Who it is for

Students who want to try a workplace, understand an industry and build confidence before choosing a pathway.

What NELLEN supports

Employer connections, placement coordination, school liaison and guidance around suitable opportunities.

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Years 10–12

Managed placements

Best suited to year levels

Students ready for supported workplace exposure in an organised host environment.

Who it is for

Students who may benefit from a more coordinated placement pathway with clear support around the process.

What NELLEN supports

Host engagement, student preparation, placement processes, communication and follow-up support.

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Years 11–12

Structured workplace learning

Best suited to year levels

Years 11–12 students undertaking VET or a related senior secondary pathway.

Who it is for

Students who need workplace experience connected to their course, training area or career direction.

What NELLEN supports

Matching students with local employers, supporting placement arrangements and helping schools access suitable hosts.

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Years 10–12

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

Best suited to year levels

Years 10–12, especially students ready to combine school, paid work and formal training.

Who it is for

Students who are ready to start building a real employment pathway while still at school.

What NELLEN supports

Employer introductions, pathway conversations, school liaison and coordination with Head Start and training partners.

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School to Work Portal

Best suited to year levels

Students in the middle and senior years who are exploring or preparing for workplace pathways.

Who it is for

Schools, students and families looking for practical school-to-work information and pathway support.

What NELLEN supports

Access to practical resources, workplace learning information and local pathway support.

Person viewing a laptop screen displaying a website called 'School to Work' with information about workplace learning opportunities and search options on a wooden desk.

Pathway innovation

NELLEN develops and supports new pathway programs where existing systems do not fully meet student, school or industry needs.

This may include targeted programs, place-based partnerships, industry pilots and new approaches to supporting students into meaningful school-to-work pathways.

Ovens Murray VET Cluster

Information and resources for schools, students and partners involved in VET pathways across the Ovens Murray region.

Book a program or Experience

Ready to book an industry experience, workplace learning opportunity, student program or employer activity?