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Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunitiesThe Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. By news@gippsland - 4th September 2026 - Back to News The Caroll Labor government is helping young people in Gippsland overcome barriers to employment and education. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today visited the Ladder Step Up office in Morwell to announce a further $750,000 investment in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program. 
The program supports young people aged 16-25 facing barriers, building confidence, independence, skills and connections for education, training and employment through 2028 Backing young futuresThe Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program helps people aged 16 to 25 build confidence and independence through education, employment and training opportunities. It also enables young people who are facing barriers to connect with the community and develop independent living skills. At least 120 young people in the Latrobe Valley will be supported through to 2028, thanks to the latest investment. Since 2017, 404 young people have graduated from the program, gaining the skills, confidence and connections needed to help them move into education, training and employment. Youth program successGraduates have gone on to jobs in retail, hospitality, the community sector, a nursery, private business and the Royal Australian Navy, with many young people securing employment opportunities within Gippsland. The six-week course involves group and individual development sessions, community projects including volunteer activities with Morwell Neighbourhood House and other work experiences. An additional 12 months of one-on-one coaching is provided to ensure young people are guided beyond the program. This funding builds on the Labor government's $2 billion investment into the Latrobe Valley's economic transition - providing support for businesses, industry, communities and major infrastructure projects. More than $50 billion has been delivered through the Carroll Labor government over the past decade to make our regions even better places to live, work, visit and study. Backing Gippsland youthMinister for Rural and Regional Development Michaela Settle said, "An investment in our young people is an investment in our future, making sure regional Victoria continues to thrive for years to come. We're continuing this important program to make sure young people across Gippsland have the support and skills they need for employment, education and training." Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "It's been a joy over the years to celebrate the hundreds of young people from across the Valley who have graduated from the Ladder program with new skills, confidence and opportunities. They are creating lives full of purpose, achievement, and ambition because of the hard work they do with Ladder's support, and it's been a privilege to advocate for this funding to enable them to continue to make a difference in everything they do." The Ladder Foundation CEO Chris Wilborn said, "This investment provides Ladder with the opportunity to continue supporting young people across Gippsland to build their skills, confidence and connections, and to work towards education, employment and greater independence. This funding is helping us ensure young people in Gippsland have the opportunity to build a positive future and, importantly, to remain connected to and contribute to their local communities." Pictures from Ladder Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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