Last week Ladder welcomed more young people into their Alumni after graduating from the 27^th Step Up program in the Latrobe Valley since inception in 2018.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney attended their graduation ceremony and congratulated the young people for their wonderful achievements over the course of the six-week program and their endeavours to gain employment training and become job ready. 

“It’s amazing what young people can achieve when they are connected to the right programs and have access to relevant skills and training. The Government’s support of the Ladder Step Up Program is an investment in the future of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.” said Minister Tierney. 

The graduation was attended by family, friends and supporters of the program graduates including Ladder staff, Alumni members and the Latrobe Valley Authority, who has supported the program since inception. 

“Young people are absolutely central to our region’s future. We have a shared responsibility to listen to them and make sure their hopes and aspirations are reflected in our work.” said Mr. Chris Buckingham, CEO of Latrobe Valley Authority. 

Ladder Acting CEO Giselle Pinto reflected on the success of the Step Up Latrobe Valley program and what that means for our recent graduates. 

“Ladder’s Step Up Latrobe Valley program supports young people at a critical time in their lives. We take a strengths-and-trust-based approach, always, and this is visible in the way participants change, grow and shape their life trajectory as an outcome of the program.” 

Since 2018, 240 young people have successfully graduated from the Step Up Latrobe Valley program, with almost all graduates engaged in employment, education or training.