mining, team, on-site

Graduate and student programs in Australia

Applications for our Australian Graduate and Intern Programs are currently closed. Please register below for opening date updates:
emily aitken
The best thing about my job is the grad cohort, I am so lucky to be able to work with my friends! It really helps, especially in FIFO roles, to have an incredible support system so close by. I also love flying in and out of Perth. I am on the perfect roster for my lifestyle and am able to do all my social activities when I am home.
emily aitken
Emily Aitken

Technology Graduate, Control Systems Engineer

mining, man on site

BHP Graduate Program

Why not you?

Our award-winning, industry-leading graduate program is looking for graduates who will challenge us, as we will challenge them. You’ll complete structured course work, learn on-the-job, rotate into different teams and contribute to business and technical projects.

  • Overview
  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Program benefits
  • Who should apply
  • How to apply
  • Tips from graduates

What to expect

The 24-month graduate program focuses on Developing, Engaging, Managing Change and Achieving Results. It’s a balanced approach to technical and professional development to ensure you have well-rounded capabilities. This will be the cornerstone of your BHP Career.

Graduates will rotate into different teams 2-4 times, to help build technical capabilities, working relationships with new people and leadership skills.

You’ll be guided by our leaders as you work on real projects, offering accelerated learning and career path opportunities.

Coursework is delivered in a combination of methods which include virtual workshops (with senior leader and graduate alumni participation), graduate workbook and a technical logbook.

To continually build capabilities and professional development, you’ll have “Action Learning Periods” where you’re given tasks to complete during your day-to-day work. This gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve learned within your designated group in discussions led by past Graduates.

Near the end of the program, you’ll be provided the choice to stay in the same commodity or seek opportunities elsewhere in BHP to demonstrate all that you have learnt.

Year 1 program

Your professional development will build your foundational leadership capabilities in a series of workshops that cover a range of topics / capabilities. 

You will develop:

  • Influencing others - How to communicate with others and to adapt your communication style to achieve outcomes.
  • Giving and receiving feedback.
  • Learning to effectively prioritise and balance your work life. 
  • Learning to cultivate curiosity and your growth mindset.
  • Problem Solving: Critical and Design thinking – You will learn different methodologies in problem solving; With emphasis on understanding the voice of customer, root cause analysis and solution ideation.
  • Managing and dealing with change.
  • Powerful presentations (including virtual).

 

Year 2 program

Building on your first-year skills, we know that you are ready for more. The second year focuses on culminating all of your learnings and experience into solving a real-life business problem – “Think Big Business Case Challenge”. 
 
“Think Big Business Case Challenge” - To set you up for success, timelines, templates and deliverables are provided at the official launch. You and your team will work together over 5 months to work on your business case which will be presented to a panel (virtual) at the Graduate Conference. You will have the opportunity to work with Senior Leaders and Subject Matter Experts to provide coaching and guidance throughout the Business Case.
 
The Graduate Conference focuses on career planning and finding your next role after the program. At the conference, senior leaders talk about (1) how you can take charge of your future by sharing their career experiences so you can learn from them, and (2) their perspective on BHP’s future and the competencies required to attain it and adapt to that future.

Additional benefits

When you start, you’ll be given a buddy who will show you the ropes, be a friendly face, provide guidance and help make introductions to feel connected.

You’ll gain access to our mentor program in your first year, where graduates can establish a relationship with a leader in the business to help shape your career.

Through the local graduate committees (run by current graduates), there are a number of networking opportunities with a range of social events to get involved with. Graduates also network in professional development workshops and learning hubs.

We have an ongoing commitment to our graduate’ well-being with many resources at their disposal.

The Technical Forums bring our graduates together to provide networking opportunities, hear inspiring presentations and participate in activities focused on expanding the graduate’s knowledge within their technical discipline.

What we are looking for

  • Graduates with the talent and skill to drive innovation and deliver outcomes.
  • Students studying a relevant degree and interested in progressing with a career in the Resources sector.
  • A willingness to undertake a Fly-in-Fly-Out (FIFO) roster or relocate if required for the role.

Application recommendations

The BHP Graduate application process will consist of the following steps (should applicants be successful to reach each stage):

Stage 1: Application

Resume – Ask someone to read through your resume to look for any typos before submitting.

Application – Make sure you take the time to read through what is being asked from you and double check your responses (including contact information). Make sure to also answer all questions when completing your candidate profile and the application form.  

A cover letter and your academic transcript is not required at this stage.

Stage 2: Online assessment 

Overall 

  • Carefully read the email invitation to understand exactly what is required.
  • Find a quiet spot with as few distractions and noise as possible.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal.
  • If you require any modifications to the testing process due to your personal situation, please submit a query via bhp.com/contact

Online cognitive testing -

  • Always do the practice tests. Take your time and don’t rush through the questions.

Online video Interview

  • Think of the video part of the assessment as a conversation. We’ll ask questions about your experience and background - just answer as though we were standing right in front of you.
  • Wear something that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable – a polo shirt or t-shirt is fine. If you don’t normally wear formal clothes for work, there is no need to wear them for us.

Stage 3: 1-on-1 Conversation with a Line Leader


If you’re attending via phone or video, find a quiet spot with as few distractions as possible and make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal. 

If anything changes on the day or, if for any reason, you can’t make your scheduled time, please let us know - we can reschedule.

Look over your resume and think about how your experience can add to the role and what motivated you to apply for that role.

Familiarise yourself with BHP’s values and purpose and how they align with your experience, background, and work ethic.

  

Top tips from our graduates

We asked our BHP graduates to share their top tips for the application process:

Talk to BHP employees at a graduate or any level in the organisation to find out about the company.

Understand the BHP Charter Values and what they mean for you.

BHP values cultural fit - so it's important that you understand exactly what it does, and how you see yourself shaping the BHP vision.

Prior work experiences, of any form, would be good to have under your belt as it will provide some good examples for your 1-on-1.

Have a safety-focused mindset.

Be yourself.

Have scenarios which you can mould to answer different questions. Do not repeat scenarios to answer multiple questions.

mining

BHP Internship Program

Why not you?

BHP is looking for 2nd year through to penultimate year students for our BHP Internship Program.

Successful applicants will work with us for 10-12 weeks over the summer break, where you’ll apply your academic skills to real life situations.

Importantly, you’ll be expected to demonstrate initiative by seeking out projects you believe will best showcase your capabilities.

  • Overview

  • Program benefits

  • Who should apply

  • How to apply

What to expect

• You’ll receive 12 weeks of hands-on-experience within your chosen area of study.

• You’ll be able to apply all you’ve learnt in real world situations and use your initiative to seek out projects to showcase your capability.

 You’ll work in diverse teams who will support, encourage, and help you build your technical skills.

 You’ll gain exposure to the resources sector at an early stage of your career.

 You’ll build your own professional network with a range of technical experts and graduates.

 You’ll attend networking events with other interns and graduates.

 

Additional benefits

As a successful Intern, you’ll get first access to our Australian Graduate Program opportunities.

Build your technical skills through on-the-job learning.

Develop your professional network by working with a range of people.

Experience life on a mine site.

What we are looking for

To join us as a BHP Intern, we will be considering students from 2nd year through to penultimate year and you will need to attend the program with us for 10-12 weeks over the Summer break.

Application recommendations

The BHP Graduate application process will consist of the following steps (should applicants be successful to reach each stage):

Stage 1: Application

Resume – Ask someone to read through your resume to look for any typos before submitting.

Application – Make sure you take the time to read through what is being asked from you and double check your responses (including contact information). Make sure to also answer all questions when completing your candidate profile and the application form.  

A cover letter and your academic transcript is not required at this stage.

Stage 2: Online assessment 

Overall 

  • Carefully read the email invitation to understand exactly what is required.
  • Find a quiet spot with as few distractions and noise as possible.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal.
  • If you require any modifications to the testing process due to your personal situation, please submit a query via bhp.com/contact

Online cognitive testing -

  • Always do the practice tests. Take your time and don’t rush through the questions.

Online video Interview

  • Think of the video part of the assessment as a conversation. We’ll ask questions about your experience and background - just answer as though we were standing right in front of you.
  • Wear something that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable – a polo shirt or t-shirt is fine. If you don’t normally wear formal clothes for work, there is no need to wear them for us.

Stage 3: 1-on-1 Conversation with a Line Leader


If you’re attending via phone or video, find a quiet spot with as few distractions as possible and make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal. 

If anything changes on the day or, if for any reason, you can’t make your scheduled time, please let us know - we can reschedule.

Look over your resume and think about how your experience can add to the role and what motivated you to apply for that role.

Familiarise yourself with BHP’s values and purpose and how they align with your experience, background, and work ethic.

  
people on site

BHP First-Year Internship Program

This could be you!

BHP is looking for first year students studying engineering or science for our BHP First-Year Internship Program.

Successful applicants will participate in a structured 5-week program over the summer break.

This program helps to demystify and provide insights into Australian mining, explore how sustainable mining contributes to decarbonisation and social value creation and provide students with the opportunity to work and collaborate with other interns on an Environmental or Social Value project.

Applications for our First-Year Internship Program are currently closed.

  • Overview

  • Program benefits

  • Who should apply

  • How to apply

What to expect

  • You’ll be paid to participate in a structured 5-week course.
  • You’ll be based in either the Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth corporate office and will attend site for a one week visit.
  • Demystifying mining, you’ll find out about the diverse range of careers that working in the mining industry can offer.
  • You’ll understand how BHP is helping to build a better world through responsible mining of the commodities the world needs.
  • You’ll learn how our teams embrace technology to enable a safer and more efficient workplace.
  • You’ll gain exposure to a variety of disciplines including Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geoscience and Geomatics; and will collaborate on an Environmental or Social Value project with other first-year interns.  

Additional benefits

  • You’ll hear directly from a range of BHP team members (from graduates up to senior leaders) speaking about their technical expertise and sharing their career insights and stories.
  • You’ll get to visit site during the program, providing insight into the mining value chain. 
  • On site, you’ll see how a mine really works – some of these experiences may include a ride on a dump truck, seeing the drones, witnessing a blast, learning about cultural awareness and environmental practice, and being part of camp life.  
  • For the site visits, you will receive flights, safety equipment and clothing, accommodation, and meals.

What we are looking for

  • First-year university students studying engineering and/or science.
  • Students with the curiosity to explore where their degree could take them.
  • Students who are available to complete the entire first-year intern program during the specified time.

Application recommendations

The BHP Graduate application process will consist of the following steps (should applicants be successful to reach each stage):

Stage 1: Application

  • Resume – Ask someone to read through your resume to look for any typos before submitting.
  • Application – Make sure you take the time to read through what is being asked from you and double check your responses (including contact information). Make sure to also answer all questions when completing your candidate profile and the application form. 
  • A cover letter and your academic transcript is not required at this stage.

Stage 2: Online assessment 

Overall 

  • Carefully read the email invitation to understand exactly what is required.
  • Find a quiet spot with as few distractions and noise as possible.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal.
  • If you require any modifications to the testing process due to your personal situation, please submit a query via bhp.com/contact

Online cognitive testing

Always do the practice tests. Take your time and don’t rush through the questions.

Online video Interview

  • Think of the video part of the assessment as a conversation. We’ll ask questions about your experience and background - just answer as though we were standing right in front of you.
  • Wear something that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable – a polo shirt or t-shirt is fine. If you don’t normally wear formal clothes for work, there is no need to wear them for us.

Stage 3: 1-on-1 Conversation with a Line Leader

  • If you’re attending via phone or video, find a quiet spot with as few distractions as possible and make sure your phone/tablet/laptop/headphones are fully charged and you have a strong internet signal. 
  • If anything changes on the day or, if for any reason, you can’t make your scheduled time, please let us know in advance - we can reschedule.
  • Look over your resume and think about how your experience can add to the role and what motivated you to apply for that role.
  • Familiarise yourself with BHP’s values and purpose and how they align with your experience, background, and work ethic.

Frequently asked questions

  • Will you accept a late application?
    We understand that life can be busy. However, to be considered for the BHP Graduate and Internship programs, you will need to submit your application on time.
  • Can I request an extension for completing my online assessment?
    No. Unfortunately, due to the tight deadlines of the application process we are unable to extend our timelines.
  • What is the selection process?
    Stage 1: Apply online and remember to add your resume
    Stage 2: Online Assessment – A video interview and cognitive testing
    Stage 3: 1-on-1 Conversation with a Line Leader
    Stage 4: Offer 
    Stage 5: Medical (for site roles)
    Stage 6: Provide your Academic Transcript prior to your start date (Graduates only)    
  • If I am required to relocate for my graduate role, will BHP assist?
    Yes, BHP will assist you in relocating for your role. 
  • If I am offered a graduate role - is it permanent?
    Yes. As a BHP Graduate, you will be a permanent employee of BHP.
  • As a BHP Intern, what will I need to do be offered a graduate role or another internship role?
    BHP Interns will be considered for a graduate role or another internship role if they show strong performance, a desire to learn and demonstrate BHP Charter Values during their time as an Intern.
  • What is camp accommodation?
    Camp accommodation is like a hotel room consisting of a single bed, bathroom, fridge, TV and air-conditioning.  All meals are provided in the canteen, including the option of making lunch to take with you..
  • Can I defer my graduate offer?
    No. Unfortunately, due to changing business requirements we are unable to defer an offer for another year.
  • As a BHP Graduate or Intern, will I be well supported?
    We know that starting a new position can be challenging, but you will be supported by your leader, graduates (past & present), your team and graduate coordinators. You will also have access to a range of BHP’s mental health and well-being resources.

Why not join an award-winning graduate program?

The BHP Graduate Program has been awarded and recognised as one of the best in Australia for the last 4 consecutive years. Because we know we have a responsibility to provide the very best and brightest graduates the best graduate program, if we are to help accelerate the building of a better world. Why not you?
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