You can make
a difference in a
young person’s life.
Become a Vocational Mentor.
VOCATIONAL MENTORING IN MELBOURNE'S INNER NORTH
Vocational Mentoring Exchange recruits, trains and supports vocational mentors from all walks of life who volunteer to assist young people from the inner north of Melbourne in their career transition journey.
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Vocational Mentoring Exchange (VME)
Established in 2020, this unique resource for Melbourne’s inner north encompasses four streams of school and community-based vocational mentoring, and a regional youth mentoring network.
This bank of passionate volunteers, with incredibly diverse working lives and lived experience, support young people’s (16-25 yrs) transition to further education, training or employment. -
Why Vocational Mentoring?
Vocational mentoring is a key support in career exploration and job-seeking for all young people, but especially for those who are socially/economically less advantaged.
Vocational mentoring can help young people with lower social capital learn about the workplace, clarify their aspirations, extend their networks, build confidence and communication skills, and help find work opportunities.
Like their mentees, mentors also gain a wealth of experience, skills, confidence and connections. -
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How does it work?
VME is coordinated by the Inner Northern LLEN who recruit, screen, train and support volunteer vocational mentors.
The Exchange works closely with our fabulous school and community partners to embed vocational mentoring in the new VCE Vocational Major curriculum (Year 11/12 students) and community-based vocational programs for young people aged 18-25 years.
Our passionate volunteers work in small groups or 1:1 with mentees, and in partnership with their school or community organisation during their 10-12 week program.
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“Never before has effective career guidance been so important and never before has there been a greater onus on employers to step up and work with schools to help young people understand jobs and careers and help teachers bring learning to life.”
Get Involved!
If you are over 18, have Australian work experience, can spare up to 30 hours over 3-4 months, and are keen to make a difference in a young person’s life, apply now to join this amazing group of 70+ volunteers.
298
Young People
1263
Mentoring Hours
28
Programs
97
Mentors
No need to have mentored before as comprehensive and free training, support and resources are provided.
The VME, INLLEN and project partners are committed to ensuring child safety and wellbeing. Strict adherence to the INLLEN Child Safe Code of Conduct is expected of all VME volunteers.
Mentoring Opportunities
These hugely rewarding classroom or community-based mentoring programs are led by the school/community partner, predominantly held face-to-face, and in small groups of 1-3 young people per mentor.
Click through to explore
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In-School
Mixed Vocational (Mentoring Matters)
A one term / 8-10 week face-to-face vocational mentoring program that brings volunteers into the VCAL/VCE Vocational Major classroom once a week (same day and time) for up to two hours to work closely with a small group of up to 3 students.
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In-School
Entrepreneurial
A richly varied face-to-face/hybrid mentoring program in an inner northern VCAL/VCE Vocational Major classroom.
Weekly / fortnightly mentoring sessions (same day and time) for up to two hours, working closely with a small group of students.
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VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Community Partnerships
A face-to-face / blended mentoring program in a northern Melbourne community agency setting.
One-to-one or small group mentoring, with fixed or variable timing.
Suitable for people with a flexible lifestyle.
INLLEN’s other Volunteering Opportunities
If mentoring is not for you just yet, but you are still keen to get involved, you might like to consider:
hosting an industry excursion or work placement student
becoming a member of the INLLEN’s Industry Speaker Bank
becoming a Real Industry Job Interviews volunteer
making a donation (INLLEN is a registered charity)
Contact Yu-Wen Chien for more information or visit inllen.org.au

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LEARN MORE
The VME Northern Youth Mentoring Network
The VME Northern Youth Mentoring Network was established in late 2021, is coordinated by the Inner Northern LLEN, and meets triannually (face-to-face or online). The Network’s aim is to strengthen professional connections, capability and awareness of youth mentoring across the north of Melbourne.
2023 Funding Partners
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