SKIP NAVIGATION
Back to News

Glencore Coal kicks off recruitment for 2026 apprenticeship program
posted: 05/05/2025

Media statement
Sydney, Australia

Applications are now open for the 2026 Glencore Coal Apprenticeship Program.

As Australia’s largest coal producer, Glencore offers programs for aspiring tradespeople looking for a well-paid and rewarding career in one of the country’s most vital sectors.

Glencore operates 13 active coal mines across NSW and Queensland, including a mixture of underground and open cut operations.

Each year Glencore Coal provides work for more than 10,000 people – including graduates, apprentices and trainees – and supports well over 4,000 local regional and national Australian businesses.

Glencore Coal Human Resources Manager, Stella De Best, said the Glencore Coal Apprenticeship Program provides a unique blend of hands-on learning and industry exposure.

“We believe in investing in our talent, and our Apprenticeship Program reflects that,” Stella said.

“Our comprehensive four-year program allows apprentices to build careers while being guided by leading professionals, all while earning a competitive wage.”

Commencing in January 2026, successful candidates will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification and enjoy strong career pathways whilst developing their skills.

Featuring a mix of onsite, offsite, and TAFE training, program participants have the opportunity to explore regional New South Wales and Queensland, with positions available across Glencore Coal operations in Central Queensland and the Hunter Valley and Mid-Western regions of New South Wales.

Glencore is seeking applicants for a range of roles, including:

Queensland:

  • Electrician (dual qualification) – Cert III Electrotechnology / Diploma of Applied Technologies

  • Diesel Mechanic/Auto Electrician (dual trade) – Cert III Mobile Plant Technology / Cert III Auto Electrical Technologies

  • Auto Electrician (dual qualification) – Cert III Auto Electrical Technology / Glencore Skill Sets - Operational Technology (OT)

  • Underground Fitter (Mechanical) (dual trade plus) – Cert III Metal Fabrication / Cert III Mechanical Fitting and Glencore Mobile Plant Skill Sets

  • Boiler Maker (dual trade plus) – Cert III Metal Fabrication / Cert III Mechanical Fitting and Glencore Mobile Plant Skill Sets

New South Wales:

  • Auto Electrician

  • Metal Fabrication

  • Electrician

  • Mechanical (Underground Fitter)

  • Plant Mechanic

Candidates must have completed year 10 prior to commencing the apprenticeship program. Mature age candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications open from Monday 5 May and close Monday 2 June.

For more information and to apply, visit Glencore.com.au/apprenticeships.

For further information, please contact:

Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 22 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 17,460 people in Australia and in 2023 contributed almost $23.5 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $12.9 billion with 7,000 businesses across the country, as well as $8.2 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 and the About our emissions calculation and reporting section in our 2023 Annual Report, available on our website at glencore.com/publications. 

Learn more about Glencore Australia.