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PEGG Program Launched for Power Industry
A new program will help settle power industry professionals in the Latrobe Valley, in a bid to retain skilled workers in the local energy sector.
Announced by Minister Jacinta Allan at a launch at GippsTAFE yesterday, the Power Enterprise Graduates of Gippsland (PEGG) program will provide support for graduates moving into the region to work within the power generation industry.
The mentoring program will focus on providing the newcomers with an introduction to the energy sector and life in the Latrobe Valley, with a view to make them feel more connected to their new environment.
The PEGG program is an initiative of the Specialist Energy Training Network, a consortium of seven TAFE institutes, convened by local training provider GippsTAFE. The Network was established in January 2007 by the Victorian State Government, to address current and projected skill needs in the energy industry.
Rob Warren, who manages the Network, said that the PEGG program has been specifically designed to foster a greater sense of involvement with the Gippsland community.
“It can be extremely difficult to attract employees into the energy sector, particularly in regional locations, and the generation industry in Gippsland is competing with business both nationally and internationally for high quality graduates as a result,” Mr Warren said.
“Initiatives such as the PEGG program will help the new employees to make connections in their new work environment and local community. As they begin to feel more at ease in the Latrobe Valley, they will be more likely to settle in the area long-term.”
According to Mr Warren, the program will involve an induction to the Latrobe Valley energy industry, the Gippsland region, as well as professional and social networks.
- “The participating graduates will have access to a workplace coach who will help them to develop an understanding of the organisation they are employed within,” he said. “They will also have a ‘Gippsland’ mentor, who will support their integration into the local community.
“The newcomers will meet local influential people and participate in a number of activities designed to encourage their involvement and understanding of their new environment.”
- The 2008 pilot program has received significant start-up funding from the Specialist Energy Training Network, with $80,000 earmarked for the Program over a two year period.
- An initial intake of fifteen graduates is expected to take up the pilot program, which is expected to commence in March.
- More information on the PEGG Program is available on the Specialist Energy Training Network website, at www.gippstafe.vic.edu/SETN or by phoning Malcolm Jolly 5120 4532.