Exciting program to develop future leaders in the Victorian water industry
The Network Operator Development Program was established in 2017 to identify, mentor and develop future leaders in the Network Operations field across the Victorian Water Industry.
The program aim is to expand the knowledge, skillset, network of colleagues and practical experience of Network Operators by exposing them to strategic thinking and best practice initiatives in technology, business management and leadership.
Graduates will be provided tools enabling them to learn how to identify and implement best practice approaches, increase productivity and enhance a professional culture within their respective organisations, to deliver an improved customer focus in their network related activities.
Participants will be exposed to a range of training delivery techniques including structured workshops, field days, technical sessions, comparative analysis of practices within the industry, conference attendance and projects.
The program involves one day each month over an eight month period, with sessions held at venues across the state depending on the content of the day.
The benefits that we have seen from one person attending this program has been far greater than we expected so imagine after 10 years of other operators attending this same program, the amount of knowledge and drive that we would be brought into our organisation would be phenomenal.
Brenten Hogan, GWMWater
The Program
2023 |
|
| 21 February | Applications received |
| 21 March | Program participants accepted |
| 28 March | Victorian Conference – WIOA Victorian Conference – 2022 Participant Graduation |
| April | Workshop 1 – Leadership and the Water Industry (Attwood) |
| May | Workshop 2 – Water Quality |
| June | Workshop 3 – Water Reticulation Systems |
| July | Workshop 4 – Wastewater Collection Systems |
| August | Workshop 5 – Pumps and Pumping Systems |
| September | Workshop 6 – Asset Management |
| October | Workshop 7 – Solid Waste Management Issues and Program Evaluation |
2024 |
|
| March | Victorian Conference – WIOA Victorian Conference – 2023 Participant Graduation |
More Information
Participants will be expected to contribute some of their own time and resources to participate in the program. This could include travel time or completing assigned tasks away from work.
Recognition
One participant each year to be awarded the WIOA Network Operator of the Year, that will be announced at the WIOA Conference Awards Dinner. The winner will receive $3,000 towards their continued professional development (sponsored by Water Training Australia).
A certificate of participation shall be awarded to all participants who successfully complete the Program.
To Apply
Applications will be accepted up until COB on 21 February annually. Applications forms need to be signed by the direct line supervisor and manager of the applicant.
The selection criteria for program participants include:
- More than 50% progress towards or completion of a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.
- A high degree of self-motivation and initiative.
- Potential to lead work teams or projects.
- Ability to work within a diverse group.
- Ability to be able to produce reports.
- Ability to problem solve and contribute to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Ability to communicate, influence and present to a wider audience.
To successfully complete the program it is expected that program participants will:
- Attend all of the workshops and the WIOA Victorian conference as a delegate.
- Complete the projects and activities as assigned at each workshop.
- Complete at least one presentation during the program. A number of the best presentations will be presented again at the WIOA Victorian Conference.
- Proactively participate in all aspects of the program and contribute to discussions
- Build a network to engage with other participants, presenters and mentors.
- Conduct at least 2 presentations to their workplace team about the program and their progress in it.
Corporations are expected to provide an appropriate amount of time during normal working hours to allow the applicant to complete their assigned tasks between workshops, as well as provide the necessary guidance and support for the duration of the program.
Apply now to participate in the 2023 program
Application form
Network Operator Development Program Application Form (Word)
Network Operator Development Program Application Form (PDF)
Applications should be emailed to: info@wioa.org.au by 21 February annually.
Cost
The cost for each participant is $1,650 (incl GST).
Further information
Further information can be obtained by contacting info@wioa.org.au or phone 03 5821 6744.
Information for Victorian Water Corporations
It is expected that Water Corporations will take a proactive role in supporting the participation of their nominated and selected employees in the Program.
Corporations will provide reasonable time for participants to attend the monthly Workshop sessions as well as time to undertake any assessment or presentation activities in the period between the Workshop days.
Employing Corporations will meet any travel, accommodation, session fees and reasonable out of pocket expenses that participants may incur through their involvement in the program. It is expected that the employing Corporations will also proactively support their nominated program participants in attending the annual WIOA Victorian conference.
Network Operator Development Program -Information for Water Coporations (358kb PDF)
Who is eligible for the program?
Applicants for this program must primarily work within the potable water reticulation network and/or wastewater collection systems.
Network reticulation is defined as the pipelines and associated infrastructure from the Water Corporation’s water treatment plant to the point where the customer’s responsibilities begin. Works normally undertaken can include isolation, repairs, maintenance and cleaning of potable water systems.
Wastewater collection is defined as the pipelines and associated infrastructure from the point where customer’s responsibilities cease to the point where the wastewater treatment plant responsibilities begin. Works normally undertaken can include sewer system repairs, clearing blockages, CCTV review of assets and odour control.
Network and wastewater infrastructure can include pipelines of varying size, pump stations, access pits, valves etc.
Who chooses who to nominate?
Water Corporations will use their own internal process to determine who and how many individuals should apply.
WIOA Network Operator of the Year Award
The Network Operator Development Program has been established to identify, mentor and develop future leaders in the Network Operations field across the Victorian Water Industry.
The Program Advisory Committee will select one participant each year to be awarded the WIOA Network Operator of the Year. The winner will be announced at the WIOA Conference Awards Dinner.
The winner will receive sponsorship to the value of $3,000 provided by Water Training Australia, which must be used on an appropriate development opportunity for the winner. Participants will be encouraged to, and given the opportunity to, attend the annual WIOA conference and be involved in a technical paper or poster presentation at that conference.
Previous Winners
2022 – To be announced Thursday 30 March 2023
2021 – Not Held
2020 – Matthew Boyle – Wannon Water
2019 – Benjamin Paul – North East Water
2018 – Tim Kiddle – Barwon Water
2017 – Russell Sunderland – Goulburn Valley Water
