Ready for Work Mentoring Program

Transcription

1 Ready for Work Mentoring Program Helping build professionals in the energy sector Sponsored by Prepared by: The Young Energy Professionals and Young Pipeliners Forum of Victoria Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 1

2 Welcome! The energy industry is so varied and important to everyday lives that it offers a fantastic career choice to anyone. People in the industry often comment on the excitement and great challenge from working in the energy sector. It is a dynamic industry, where innovative thinking, team work and an understanding of environmental responsibilities is rewarded. The energy sector is also an industry that offers excellent training and development opportunities for men and women alike. Working in the energy sector is not just about engineering design (although there are lots of engineering jobs!). The range of jobs in the sector is endless and covers other disciplines including science, finance, economics, law, human resources and marketing. Recognising the vast job and learning opportunities to be gained, the Young Energy Professionals (YEP) and Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) are excited about welcoming you to participate in the Ready for Work Mentoring Program. The Program has been designed to help graduates find their dream job, and to help those already working in the sector to build leadership skills and make a difference. Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee?! Then submit an application! And get in quick as submissions close 16 May. All the best, Sarah Clarke and Ian Spence On behalf of the YEP and YPF Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 2

3 Table of Contents 1 Background and introduction Program overview Benefits of the mentoring program This manual Energy and pipeline associations Your local mentoring coordinators Contact information Participation and registration Eligibility Registration Roles and responsibilities Level of commitment expected Ethical responsibility Privacy and confidentiality Withdrawing from the program Mentor responsibilities Mentee responsibilities Program approach High level plan Key program phases Summary and Conclusion 10 6 Acknowledgements 11 Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 3

4 1 Background and introduction 1.1 Program overview The Ready for Work Mentoring Program matches professionals working in the energy and resources sectors with university students, providing an opportunity to help people to grow and succeed in the workplace. The program is open to students in their last two years of study and industry professionals with at least three years workplace experience (which should include energy or related sector experience). The key objectives of the program include to provide: Students with practical assistance and information about the application and interview process; Students with industry specific knowledge to support their academic learning; and; Professionals with opportunities to build leaderships skills and help others. The program runs from May 2013 to September At the beginning and at the end of the program there will be an event where all program participants have an opportunity to congregate to network and share ideas. During the program, mentors and mentees will be responsible for organising their own meetings which will provide an opportunity to share knowledge and allow mentees to share in the experiences of their mentor. 1.2 Benefits of the mentoring program For mentees: Greater skills and confidence to enter your preferred profession Enhanced knowledge about the energy sector and career options Learn what employers are seeking when selecting graduates Access to personal and professional networks For mentors: Satisfaction that you have helped someone in their career development Enhanced skills in communication and leadership Increased personal and professional networks Recognition for your contribution to the sector and helping students 1 1 Mentors will be given certificates for their participation. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 4

5 1.3 This manual The main purpose of this manual is to provide practical information about the program and the roles of program participants. 1.4 Energy and pipeline associations Australian Institute of Energy (AIE) The AIE is a non-profit association that brings together individuals and companies with interests and involvement in the energy sector in Australia. The Institute s mission is to promote understanding and awareness of energy issues and the development of responsible energy policies in Australia. Through a wide range of activities, the Institute encourages discussion and debate on energy issues, promotes research and disseminates information. These activities, including conferences and seminars, symposia and technical meetings, attract speakers of national and international standing and enable Institute members to discuss and debate emerging energy issues and developments in technology. Since the Institute s establishment in 1978, members of the Institute have been attracted from all energy fields and professions. Members are from industry, Government, research and development and education or have a specific interest in energy Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Young Energy Professionals (YEP) is a body created under the AIE and has branches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and the Hunter Region of New South Wales. YEP s mission is to foster the development of future industry leaders and provide them with the personal and professional skills to develop their potential. This is achieved through a diverse range of activities that cater for the needs and interests of members by: encouraging discussion and debate about energy issues, creating a platform for continuous learning, offering relevant events for professional and personal skills development, providing mentoring opportunities and building networks within the industry for the mutual benefit Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) The Australian Pipeline Industry Association was established in 1968 and expanded in the 1980s. It represents all sectors of the pipeline industry: major infrastructure owners and operators, construction companies, engineering companies and individual engineers, consultancies, service providers, accountants, lawyers and anyone interested in or involved with gas, water, slurry or oil pipelines in Australia, PNG and New Zealand. APIA has more than 400 members and conducts approximately 30 functions annually, including dinners and lunches, seminars and the main event of the year, the Annual Convention and Exhibition, which is held in a different city each year. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 5

6 APIA s mission is to provide services to its members and raise awareness of the benefits to the economy and regional development of a dynamic, market-driven Australian pipeline industry. APIA and the members are involved in writing and updating Standards, developing policies and liaison with government on economic regulation, research (including through the establishment of the Energy Pipelines Cooperative Research Centre) and knowledge transfer and career development for the young people in the industry Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) The Young Pipeliners Forum has been established to further APIA s commitment to career development and knowledge transfer. The YPF s State-based committees organise information evenings, networking events, educational visits to members facilities and mentoring events. The young people of the industry have the imagination and drive that encourages the experienced engineers and other pipeline industry professionals to share their knowledge. APIA members support YPF events through participation and sponsorship. APIA further encourages the young people in the industry by sponsoring attendance at international conferences and providing international educational tours. APIA is very supportive of the VIC-YPF in their endeavour to become young mentors for Victorian students, demonstrating the valuable careers available in the industry. 1.5 Your local mentoring coordinators Tim Visey Chair, YPF Committee & Senior Consultant CNC Project Management Elle Bartnik Master of Civil Engineering Student University of Melbourne Program role: Gas Industry Liaison and Coordinator Personal objective: For enthusiastic students to be able to navigate the graduate process with the support of the energy and pipeline industries up and comers. Sarah Clarke YEP Committee and Consultant Hay Group Program role: Energy Industry Liaison and Program Coordinator Personal objective: To help build the next crop of energy industry leaders by guiding graduates through the sector and by providing professionals with an opportunity to practice their coaching and leadership skills. Role title: University Liaison and Coordinator Personal objective: To offer an opportunity where students can draw on the knowledge and experiences of their industry mentor to guide them through the process of becoming employed in the energy industry and to develop their career goals and aspirations. Sylvia Low Gas Asset Management Engineer SP AusNet Role: Energy Industry Liaison and Coordinator Personal objective: To not only provide guidance to young undergraduates as they navigate through challenges and uncertainties of entering the workforce but to also promote the energy & pipeline industry as an attractive industry of choice with promising career opportunities and exciting technical developments. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 6

7 1.6 Contact information For any query related to the Ready for Work program contact: 2 Participation and registration 2.1 Eligibility Eligible mentees are students in their final 24 months of completing their degree. Eligible mentors are professionals currently within the energy industry with at least 3 years workplace experience. We encourage participation from all disciplines which include (but are not limited to): engineering, business and commerce (e.g. management, economics, HR, accounting and finance, PR), environmental management, science, spatial science, law, energy and resources, health and safety, IT and information systems. 2.2 Registration In order to participate you will need to submit a completed Ready for Work Mentoring Program application form that is attached with these communications. If you have trouble accessing the application form, please contact [email protected]. The program coordinators will review the completed submissions and match eligible mentors with mentees based on their discipline, areas of interest and mentoring program goals. 3 Roles and responsibilities 3.1 Level of commitment expected The mentoring program requires dedication from the mentor and a commitment to participate in the mentoring relationship throughout the mentoring period. The actual amount of time is not onerous and involves the following: Attend the program launch event; Participate in a minimum of two face to face meetings that are organised at their own discretion; Attend the program close event. If willing, the mentor and mentee can maintain contact over the summer break. However, this is not compulsory. Participation in the program is free and mentors and mentees are provided with complementary materials and refreshments during the opening and closing events. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 7

8 3.2 Ethical responsibility At all times mentors and mentees must act in a responsible and ethical manner. The relationship is a professional one not a personal one, therefore both parties must respect commercial ethics and share information in confidence. If either mentor or mentee has any concerns with the mentoring relationship, contact the program coordinator immediately. 3.3 Privacy and confidentiality Contact details and personal information will not be disclosed by the coordinator unless by prior agreement. The mentor and mentee must also treat all information (including contact details and experiences) confidentiality. 3.4 Withdrawing from the program The mentoring program allows the mentor or mentee to end the relationship without being held responsible. If this occurs, the coordinator must be informed so that the remaining participant can be matched to a different interested party if possible. 3.5 Mentor responsibilities The role of the mentor is to guide and encourage the mentee in developing knowledge and practical skills to transition to the workplace. Mentors are required to: Agree on a mutually convenient contact schedule with the mentee Encourage exploration of career opportunities and preferences Provide practical advice on the sector as well as tips for successful applications and interviews Notify their mentee if they cannot attend planned meetings Respect confidentiality and personal boundaries 3.6 Mentee responsibilities The role of the mentee is to solicit advice from the mentor to be able to better position themselves for future career development. Mentees are required to: Agree on a mutually convenient contact schedule with the mentor Be receptive to suggestions or feedback from the mentor Ask questions and search for practical information relevant to their career Notify their mentor if they cannot attend planned meetings Respect confidentiality and personal boundaries Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 8

9 4 Program approach The Ready for Work Program runs for approximately 5 months - from May to September. The following diagram provides a summary of the key phases and durations. 4.1 High level plan Applications Screening Opening event Mentoring Closing event Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Note: Exact dates for the events and mentoring meetings will be communicated to participants following the matching process. 4.2 Key program phases Phase 1: Applications and screening During this phase, interested parties are required to submit an application to the following address by 16 May [email protected] The Program Coordinator will review the mentor and mentee applications. As the number of participant spots in the program is limited, the Program Coordinator will assess all applications according to their background, level of interest and ability to be matched with a mentor or mentee. Phase 2: Introduction and opening event Participants will receive an advising of their acceptance and those who are successful will be invited to attend the opening event where mentors and mentees will be introduced. The opening event will be a social forum that will allow mentors and mentees to meet and make arrangements for future discussions. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 9

10 Phase 3: Mentoring During the mentoring phase of the program, contact between the mentor and mentee should be by or phone at least once per month. Although, it should be noted that face-to-face meetings are recommended to occur at least twice during this period. Some suggestions for meeting conversations or activities include but are not limited to: Agreeing program goals that will guide the priorities of the mentoring arrangement Discussing the range of career options and/or paths in the chosen discipline; Sharing experiences about the transition from university to work; Discussing what employers look for in job applicants; Reviewing and comment on the mentee's resume and cover letters; Conducting a practice job interview and providing constructive feedback; Developing a reading list to build knowledge about the industry or organisations; and/or Reviewing mentor and mentee goals are you progressing well? It is recommended that face-to-face meetings are arranged at a public place such as a coffee shop that is neutral ground. Again, it is important to note that, although mentees and mentors may become friends during the program, the relationship is a professional one. Phase 4: Close program In April a closing event will conclude the program. This will provide an opportunity for all participants to discuss the program and gather some final encouragement and inspiration for mentees as they move towards their first career step. At the event, participants will be provided with feedback forms that provide valuable information to the course coordinators in regard to participants satisfaction and opportunities for improvement of the program. 5 Summary and Conclusion The mentoring program will provide students with an excellent opportunity to develop their knowledge, information and career opportunities in the energy utilities sector. It will also give mentors the opportunity to provide a leadership role to those who are looking for information and advice on their career path. Ultimately the program represents the chance to improve career prospects, develop interpersonal skills and form relationships with those within the energy industry. Your application and participation in this program as a mentor or as a mentee is encouraged. Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 10

11 6 Acknowledgements The YEP and YPF would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for supporting the program: Australian Institute of Energy (AIE) Australian Pipeline Association (APA) Group program sponsor and gas infrastructure business Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) Cheryl Cartwright Chief Executive, APIA Joy Claridge Chair, AIE Melbourne Branch SP AusNet program sponsor and diversified energy business Steve Dobbie Business Manager/Company Secretary, APIA Sponsored by: Ready for Work Mentoring Program Manual 11