Welcoming the future faces of the water industry

Twelve university students are gaining valuable work experience in the water industry, with Gippsland Water’s Vacation Employment Program now underway.

The program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake paid employment at Gippsland Water for three months during their summer break.

Managing director Sarah Cumming said the program highlighted employment opportunities available locally and provided a stepping stone to employment at Gippsland Water.

“We want to create opportunities for young people on their doorstep. They shouldn’t need to move to Melbourne to gain the experience necessary to move forward in their careers,” Ms Cumming said.

“Of the eight students who participated in the program last year, five remain employed with us this year in both casual and permanent positions.

“While employed with us students undertake real business projects and get to work alongside industry professionals.

“This year we have twelve students undertaking work in several departments, including our Environment and Healthy Country team, Finance and Governance, Assets, and Field Services.

“We hope their time with us encourages them to return to the water industry once they’ve completed their education.”

Federation University student and 2022 Gippsland Water Scholarship recipient Georgie Lambert is completing her second year in Gippsland Water’s Vacation Employment Program.

Ms Lambert is completing a Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science at Federation University’s Gippsland campus and has assumed a position in Gippsland Water’s Environment and Healthy Country team as part of the vacation program.

“So far I’ve visited a number of sites and completed tasks that have helped me build new skills and improve upon skills I’ve learnt during university,” Ms Lambert said.

“Recently, I visited a biodiversity offset site at Sunny Creek and completed threatened species monitoring of the Wellington Mint-bush at Duston Downs.

“In my current role I’ve been able to support the Environment and Healthy Country team both inside the Traralgon office and in the field.”

Gippsland Water’s Vacation Employment Program begins in late November and runs to mid-February.

Applications for the program open mid-year annually.

To find out more about Gippsland Water’s Vacation Employment Program or other employment opportunities visit www.gippswater.com.au/careers

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