Graduate Programs for Civil Engineers in Australia and New Zealand

acciona, AECOM, australia, BMD Group, CPB, Downer, fulton hogan, graduates, john holland, lendlease, mcconnell dowell, new zealand,

March 7, 2024

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Australia and New Zealand’s top civil engineering and construction companies look for talented Graduates to join their two-year graduate program every year.

If you are about to graduate or have recently graduated, you might want to consider enrolling into a graduate program for Civil Engineers with some of the biggest companies in Australia and New Zealand.

These programs are meticulously designed to offer you a unique opportunity to engage with real-world engineering challenges. Focusing on innovation, technology, and hands-on experience, these graduate programs will prepare and train you for the industry’s complexities and demands.

If you are a recent Civil Engineering Graduate looking to gain some valuable work experience, it might be worthwhile exploring Graduate Programs offered by the below companies.

Graduate Programs for Civil Engineers – Australia and New Zealand

Fulton Hogan

Fulton Hogan takes on 80 graduates across New Zealand and Australia every year through their Graduate Programmes. For engineering or finance graduates, they offer on the job experience.

New Zealand

The 12-month New Zealand graduate programme gives you options to work across surfacing and manufacturing business, civil construction business, or within the corporate finance teams.

Engineering Programme

You get an opportunity to learn the science of producing asphalt and other raw materials at one of Fulton Hogan’s facilities, along with the technical know-how to tender for and estimate jobs.

You gain valuable experience working on infrastructure projects and building project management skills, all with a focus on safety, quality, and sustainability. You get to work and travel across New Zealand, on various civil construction and infrastructure projects for communities across the region.

Australia

In Australia, the 12-month Graduate Programme has four key areas: Infrastructure, Construction, Finance and Utilities.

Infrastructure Services – you gain experience in the full range of road maintenance solutions

Construction – you get exposed to existing projects such as roads, bridges, rail, water & wastewater, airports and telecommunications. You also assist with tenders and work closely with the pre-contracts team. You work on site, assisting the delivery of infrastructure projects from $1m  AUD to A$1b AUD.

Utilities – you gain experience working in the energy industry including electricity, gas and water

You work to help improve the way these services are delivered to communities and improve the quality of existing services with updated technology.

The Programme is for Graduates with little or no work experience. There are no age restrictions, however, you must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a Permanent Resident at the time of application.

Source: Fulton Hogan

AECOM

AECOM has a team of over 56,000 specialists working across seven continents to deliver some of the world’s most influential infrastructure projects. Being one of the ‘World’s Most Admired Company’, they offer some great graduate opportunities.

AECOM’S graduate opportunities

AECOM seeks applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Civil engineering 
• Construction Management/Project Management
• Electrical engineering 
• Environmental 
• Geotechnical
• Mechanical 
• Quantity Surveying
• Structural 
• Chemical Engineering 

AECOM’S Growing Professional Skills (GPS) graduate program is designed to help you bridge the gap between formal education and the workplace.

The GPS program is spread across two years and comprises a range of core competencies and recommended training. As part of the program, AECOM works with you to develop a plan, set your goals, and the actions required to achieve them.

As a graduate, you’ll have the chance to work alongside industry leaders on iconic projects.

How to Apply?

Your application for a graduate role will be assessed through a staged approach including an initial application review, online video game testing (Gamification), video interview, and assessment centre/face-to-face interview.

Source: AECOM

CPB Contractors

CPB Contractors is the Australasian construction company of the CIMIC Group. They play a crucial role in urban and rural development, help drive economic growth and provide vital long-term infrastructure.

It is Australasian construction company of the CIMIC Group and it exposes graduates to world-class projects across various industries.  The application for a graduate role will be assessd through a staged approach including an initial review, online video game testing, and many more.

About the CIMIC group graduate program

The CIMIC Group Graduate Program exposes graduates to world-class projects across various industries, including some of Australasia‘s most significant construction operations with CPB Contractors. 

Graduates are provided with structured on-the-job training, guided learning plans and leadership mentoring. Over the two-year program, graduates will undertake three, eight-month rotations, with placements in various roles, projects, or operating companies within the Group.

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Construction management
• Safety
• Environment
• Finance
• Commercial
• Human resources
• Information technology
• Sustainability
• Data science
• Innovation

CIMIC has been recognized as a top graduate employer by Grad Connection and the Australian Association of Graduate Employers.

Source: CPB Contractors

John Holland

John Holland’s graduate program is structured around building your abilities through rotations, learning and development opportunities and support.

The two-year program includes on-the-job learning, rewards for your effort and dedication, opportunities to network with senior leaders across a diverse infrastructure and property business and offers support to grow your skills in working with others, negotiation and teamwork.

Recruitment Process

Step 1: Online Application

Step 2: Online Simulation

Step 3: Video Interview & Written Responses

Step 4: Virtual Engagement (Assessment) Centre

Step 5: Medical Check & Offers

If you would like any further information about the program, please email [email protected]

Source: John Holland  

Downer

Downer’s graduate program has a duration of two years. In 2023, it was named the Top 75 Graduate Employer of the Year.

Graduates will receive a number of benefits, including rotations through the business to expose you to the wider business before you specialise in one area, structured formal development and an established network of mentors across the business.

If you are based in New Zealand, there will also be an opportunity to participate in the Young Professionals Conference.

Recruitment process

After you apply, you may be required to undertake psychometric assessment, video and face-to-face interviews, assessment centre, and pre-employment medical and professional references.

Click here to join Downer’s graduate program.

Source: Downer Group

Lendlease

Lendlease has been entrusted with many projects of public, cultural and social significance. The two-year Lendlease Global Graduate Program supports the transition of a university graduate to a Lendlease Graduate who has foundational skills through a structured and supportive environment. 

You will work with all levels of management and be supported by a dedicated program support team who will expertly coach you to shape a development pathway that is specific to you. 

As a Lendlease Graduate, you will learn through a minimum of two rotations across projects or roles, conduct programs to build upon your professional and technical skills, and network with graduates and leaders across different units.  

Source: Lendlease

BMD

BMD’s Foundation Graduate program has a duration of 18 months and has been designed to bridge the gap between formal education and the workforce.

You will be offered structured on-the-job training, learning and development plans designed for growth, and access to business leaders for mentoring programs.  

Also, you will be able excel and demonstrate capability and willingness to contribute in a work environment that is flexible and individually focused while still providing countless and diverse opportunities.

Subject to business requirements, BMD may offer graduate positions in the following roles:

• Engineering
• Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ)
• Human Resources
• Corporate Communications
• Finance and Accountancy  

Additionally, the BMD Group provides vacation employment to students in the penultimate and final years of their tertiary studies.  You can apply by sending your CV and application to [email protected].

Source: BMD Group

Acciona

Acciona’s two-year Graduate program offers a comprehensive development and training experience. You will get the opportunity to be part of the Global Graduate Program for a year and receive hands-on experience, targeted training to help develop your skills, international mobility, and access to a network of peers and mentors.

Acciona welcomes fields from:

• Engineering
• Community and Stakeholder
• Safety
• Environmental and Sustainability
• Supply Chain
• Human Resources
• Finance

Recruitment Process

Once Acciona receives your application, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews to understand your strengths, aspirations, and alignment with Acciona’s values. Candidates will be invited to join the graduate if successful.

Source: Acciona 2024

McConnell Dowell

McConnell Dowell’s graduate program runs over two years and provides opportunities to learn, grow, and reach your full potential.

McConnell Dowell offer graduate opportunities in:

• Engineering
• Operations
• Finance
• Commercial
• HSEQ

Graduates will be assigned an industry expert for support, rotate to different projects, and gain real experience in civils, pipelines, tunnels, and many other sectors.

Click here to apply for McConnell Dowell’s graduate program.

Source: McConnell Dowell

Top Civil Engineering and Construction Companies in New Zealand 2024

Top Civil Engineering and Construction Companies in Australia 2023

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If you are a Civil Engineer, a Construction Professional or a Surveyor who would like to be part of the infrastructure boom in Australia or New Zealand, register your CV here or search our jobs.

ConsultANZ Recruitment  –  We consult our Clients on their hiring needs and our Candidates on their career prospects.

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