EPHRATA - Thirteen Grant County PUD workers are participating in a special 18-month-long employee development program launched last summer for the first time.

The program is part of the utility's succession plan to prepare for retiring workers.

In the next 10 years, the utility anticipates 28.5 percent of its workforce will be eligible to retire, said Linda Haensel, a senior human resources professional with the PUD.

"With a large turnover, it's important we're proactive and look to the future," Haensel said.

The group taking part in the employee development program is made up of half union and half nonunion workers. The workers range from entry-level to upper management.

They applied to be in the program, which is made up of personal development through an assessment, formal skills training and cross-training in other departments, she said.

"They were excited about the opportunity to grow and improve themselves," she said.

She added the employee group is made up of self-motivated people who want to better themselves.

The PUD isn't giving raises or promoting workers based on their participation in the program, she said. But if openings do come up, the utility looks closely at people within the organization.

The federal government and Avista also does succession planning, said Hilde Carlsen, an HR manager with the PUD.