University graduates invited to launch careers with Glencore

posted: 10/02/2026

Media release
Sydney, New South Wales

Applications are now open for Glencore’s 2027 Graduate Program, offering university graduates the opportunity to launch their careers with one of Australia’s leading resources companies.

Open to graduates in engineering, environmental science, geology, accounting, health and safety, human resources and IT, the program begins in February 2027 and provides a strong foundation for long-term careers in the mining industry.

The two-year program combines hands-on site experience with structured development, mentoring from industry leaders and access to a strong professional network, along with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Since 2020, 668 graduates have joined Glencore’s Australian coal and metals operations, gaining practical experience while contributing to major regional projects and local communities.

Coal

Glencore Coal Human Resources Manager Michelle Montgomery said the Coal Graduate Program was designed to give graduates real responsibility, strong support and early exposure to operational environments.

“Our Graduate Program gives emerging professionals the chance to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive and challenging environment, while building strong foundations for long-term careers.”

"Beyond technical skills participants develop confidence in communication, teamwork and leadership, all underpinned by a strong safety culture, integrity and responsibility for solving real challenges. These focus areas directly link to Glencore’s core values.” Graduates are supported with relocation costs if required, and assistance with accommodation and living expenses is also available.

For Graduate Geotechnical Engineer Nicholas Grady, the Coal graduate program offered opportunities he had not found elsewhere in the industry, particularly the chance to gain experience across both underground and open-cut operations.

“I chose to apply for the Glencore Graduate Program because it offered opportunities other programs didn’t, particularly as a Geotechnical Engineer,” Nicholas said.

“I’ve had the chance to work in both underground and open-cut coal operations and gain plenty of hands-on experience.”

“The support on site has been great. I have a direct supervisor who has been extremely helpful and someone I can always speak to, even when we’re not on site together. It’s a unique opportunity for graduates looking for real responsibility early in their careers, and I would encourage students to give it a go.”

  • Andrew shares his experience with the Graduate Program at Bulga Coal.

Metals

Glencore Human Resources Manager at Mount Isa Mines, Shari Barwick, said the Metals graduate program is designed to give graduates meaningful responsibility while providing the support they need to succeed.

“Our Graduate Program helps early-career professionals build skills, confidence and leadership capability in a supportive and challenging environment, laying the groundwork for rewarding careers in regional Queensland.”

“Alongside technical skills, graduates develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities, guided by our strong focus on safety, integrity and real-world impact.”

Graduates may also be eligible for relocation support, with assistance available for accommodation and living expenses where required.

For Metallurgist, Mikayla McKenna the opportunity to challenge herself, gain practical experience and build confidence was a defining part of the program.

“I joined the Graduate Program because I wanted hands-on experience, not just theory,” she said. 

“That is one of the best parts of the Graduate Program, learning from people who’ve been solving problems for years. That knowledge doesn’t exist in textbooks, you only get it by being here, amongst the action.”

“Within months of arriving, I was solving real Operational problems and working with people who trusted me. That’s what made this experience unlike any other.”

Applications for Glencore’s 2027 Graduate Program are now open. To find out more and apply visit the Early career programs webpage. 

Mikayla McKenna, Metallurgist.

For further information, please contact:

Coal

Jessica Smith
Mobile: +61 497 504 420
Email: Jessica Smith

Metals

Kate Collins
Mobile: +61 408 128 909
Email: Kate Collins


Laura Reilly
Mobile: +61 419 949 254
Email: Laura Reilly

 

 

Notes for editors

About Glencore in Australia 

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 20 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 17,420 people in Australia and in 2024 contributed $19.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $13.2 billion with 6,810 businesses across the country, as well as $3.6 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan

Learn more about Glencore Australia