Graduates encouraged to ‘think big’

Working with cutting edge technology and renewable energy are among the opportunities Anita Melville is excited to see graduates experience.

“We encourage our graduates to “˜think big, live bigger’,” says Anita, Graduate Program Manager with Queensland’s regional electricity distributor Ergon Energy.

“We have fantastic, big opportunities in the business for our graduates to get involved in. We have graduates who are working with solar cities and in the generation area. That’s a normal experience for them. We are working with new technology and embrace fresh ideas and an innovative approach,” Anita says.

Anita is in regular contact with each of the 30 graduates undertaking the three year program at any time, as well as their managers and mentors.

“The program puts the graduates in the driver’s seat. They make choices about where they want to be. They play a role in selecting their rotations, build relationships and work with their mentors to plan their development.” .

“That’s part of the reason we have such a strong success rate with our graduates.”

Anita says around 98 per cent of graduates remain with the business after completion of the program.

“Our graduates stay because we set them up with a broad understanding of the business. We focus on making sure they get the best possible development in a range of fields.”

“As well developing their technical skills, we also help them build core business skills and develop their leadership potential.”

“They get great support from experienced professionals who will be their colleagues, mentors and supervisors. They’re also able to mix with other graduates and share ideas and experiences.”

“I think another aspect that appeals to graduates is the social and networking aspect of the business. We’re a large company with around 4,500 employees and have active social clubs.”

Ergon Energy offers an annual graduate intake.

“We attend a range of university and virtual career fairs during March where students can speak with our graduates, our careers team and mentors. We also conduct recruitment advertising during March and April.”

“We generally interview during June and July and our successful applicants visit for a familiarisation visit in September, before starting work the following January.”

For further information about graduate opportunities with Ergon Energy visit the graduate careers page at www.ergon.com.au, or call 1800 656 810.