Supervisor’s permission is required for engineers and architects to participate in the Engineer Mentoring Program.  This program is administered by the Engineer Professional Advisory Committee (EPAC) and is aimed at enhancing employee development and retention.

The EPAC provides advice and consultation to the Chief Engineer and, through that individual, to the Surgeon General on matters relating to professional activities and personnel issues affecting engineers and architects in the PHS.  The EPAC operates in a staff capacity, and does not substitute for line management or in any way exercise the prerogatives of the operating programs. 

The principal objective of the EPAC is to assist PHS in meeting its engineering responsibilities by providing professional advice upon request, sponsoring activities, encouraging the adoption of goals, and recommending the establishment of mechanisms that foster the development of professional competence, assure effective personnel utilization, improve recruitment and retention of competent engineering personnel, and develop satisfying career paths for engineering personnel.

Participants in the Engineer Mentoring Program are encouraged to meet one hour per week.  The meetings are most effective in person, but may occur by telephone and e-mail.  The EPAC solicits supervisors' support of this program by encouraging employees to participate.  Supervisors have good reason to suggest participation: anyone is more motivated on the job if s/he has a goal and can see that high performance now will pay off in the direction s/he wants to go.  Mentors will be developing perspectives and skills, especially in communications, which will be useful on the job.  If you have any questions please contact the current EPAC Mentoring Subcommittee Chair.
 

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