Transitioning graduates into work: Viva Energy

Viva Energy – one of Australia’s largest energy companies – wanted to support their 2022 graduate cohort with the transition from university into work.  

They undertook several initiatives for graduates: 

• Pre-program activities engaged graduates early, and built connection and belonging to the company and each other.  
• A comprehensive 2-day induction built on the pre-program activities, and enabled graduates to learn about the business, culture and future strategy. It also connected graduates with their support networks and each other.  
• A 3-part workshop covered important skills for transition and transformation, including how to live a sustainable and integrated life.  

“Most graduates were coming straight from university and had spent 2 years in lockdown and studying online so the additional support was really valuable.” Letitia Otto, Employee Experience Manager 

Graduates reported feeling well-supported and line managers reported graduates settled well into their roles.  

Viva also learned some valuable lessons from the experience: 

• The pre-program activities to build connections early on were very beneficial.   
• The comprehensive 2-day induction helped graduates build knowledge and connections.  
• It’s important to maximise face-to-face engagements during the pre-program activities and provide opportunities to build social connections. Pre-program activities were restricted due to COVID-19 lockdowns, so Viva will consider a different approach for the 2023 cohort.  
• The Transition Program helped normalise how graduates were feeling, and the challenges and emotions they were experiencing particularly after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.