Extending a ladder of opportunity for Gippsland youth

18/09/2026

We're continuing to support young people in Gippsland to overcome barriers to employment and education.

It's through a further $750,000 investment in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, which helps people aged 16 to 25 build confidence and independence through educations, employment and training opportunities.

Ladder Step Up Program member standing in front of a Dyers Distribution truck, to the right of a worker in yellow and blue high-visibility clothing. The two men are standing in a factory with white floors and tools visible to the left of the frame.

The program also helps young people 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.

'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 contributing to, their local communities,' said The Ladder Foundation CEO Chris Wilbourn.

Since 2017, more than 400 young people have graduated from the program, gaining the skills, confidence and connections needed to thrive.

Graduates have gone on to gain jobs in:

retail
hospitality
the community sector
private businesses
the Royal Australian Navy.

Importantly, many of these young people have secured 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.

Ladder Step Up Program leader standing in front of a tv and blue walls, speaking to several youth who are seated on beanbag chairs and listening to his presentation.

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 Victorian Government’s $2 billion investment into the Latrobe Valley’s economic transition – providing support for businesses, industry, communities and major infrastructure projects.

It's part of our work to make Gippsland an even better place to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.