Broader Horizons is a hands-on career exploration program designed to support Year 9 students to explore future pathways, gain real-world experience and build confidence for life beyond school. 

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Delivered by North Central LLEN, the program connects young people with local industries through practical learning, workplace experiences in small groups and direct engagement with employers. Students gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, interests and career opportunities, helping them make more informed decisions about their future. 

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The program begins with career exploration sessions delivered in schools, where students are introduced to a range of career pathways and complete guided career workbooks. Students’ Morrisby results, combined with their expressed interests, are used to identify suitable local industries for further exploration. 

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Building on this foundation, students take part in targeted industry visits and hands-on sessions that provide insight into real workplace expectations. Small-group, interest-based work placements allow students to develop work-readiness skills while engaging directly with local employers and priority industry sectors. 

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Broader Horizons builds career awareness and confidence, raises aspirations, and broadens students’ understanding of local employment opportunities. It strengthens connections between young people and employers while supporting future workforce needs through the development of essential skills. The program offers a flexible, scalable framework that meaningfully engages schools, students and industry partners. 

Established 11 years ago in response to community-identified gaps in career exploration in St Arnaud, Broader Horizons has continued to grow and thrive. In 2025, the program was delivered across eight schools, in partnership with 45 industry partners, providing more than 200 meaningful experiences for young people. The program also expanded through collaboration with neighbouring LLENs, extending its reach and impact across a broader region.