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BHP

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4.2
  • #1 in Mining, oil and gas
  • > 100,000 employees

BHP Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Mining, Oil & Gas

What it does: Global resources company
Staff stats: 80,000+ employees and contractors
The good bits: High-performance culture
The not-so-good bits: Remote working (although some people love this lifestyle and the benefits it provides)
Hiring grads with degrees in:  

  • Engineering: Mining, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mine Geotechnical, Civil, Metallurgy / Minerals Processing, Chemical, Construction, Environmental, Instrumentation Control and Automation
  • Science: Earth Science / Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental, Physics, Chemistry, Spatial Science (Surveying), GIS
  • Technology: Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Statistics, Software Engineering, Mathematics
  • Health Science: Safety, Health, Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Paramedical Science, Nursing
  • Business: Accounting / Finance, Supply Chain, Logistics Management, Commerce

BHP at a glance

BHP is a world-leading resources company. We work in more than 90 locations worldwide and our products are sold globally.

The commodities we produce are essential to everyday life. The benefits they create, and how we do this, underpin our purpose and social value. 

We've positioned our business to support the megatrends shaping our world. Iron ore and metallurgical coal for the steel needed for global infrastructure and the energy transition. Copper for renewable energy. Nickel for electric vehicles. And we are moving into potash to support more sustainable farming.

A resource mix for today – and critical to the future. 

Our culture

At BHP, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace; we are a vibrant and dynamic community of individuals who value work-life balance and celebrate a rich and diverse culture, and we know we are strengthened by diversity. 

We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect; fostering a supportive culture where you can bring your whole self to work. 

Social contribution

Our social value framework was launched in June 2022 and is focused on the six pillars of decarbonisation, environment, Indigenous partnerships, workforce, communities and responsible supply chains.

The 2030 goals include BHP’s 2030 climate change target and goals, and reference timelines set out in global frameworks and agreements such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Global Goal for Nature. 

The goals provide opportunities for BHP to engage and work in partnership with others, build capability and co-design approaches to deliver positive outcomes and shared prosperity for people and our planet. They are reinforced by our continued commitment to pursue zero significant health, safety, environment, community or supply chain events.  

The Graduate Program

BHP’s 24-month graduate program provides a balanced approach to technical and professional development which ensures that our graduates have well-rounded capabilities that will be the cornerstone of their careers.  

The program includes: 

  • A buddy when graduates start - a friendly face who will show you the ropes and make introductions.
  • Access to a mentor program to establish a relationship with a leader who can help shape your career.
  • Rotate into different teams (between 2-4 times) to build technical capabilities, relationships and networks with new people, and key leadership capabilities.
  • A team-based project that solves a real-life business problem. Topics include anything from environmental issues; operational, technology and technical challenges; improving well-being; increasing social value propositions.
  • The graduate professional development will focus on building for main areas: Develop, Engage, Manage Change and Achieve Results.  Developing in these four main areas will be the cornerstone of a BHP Career.
  • Various networking and social activities through the local graduate committees, as well as in professional development workshops, technical forums and learning hubs.
  • Technical Forums bring graduates together to hear inspiring presentations and participate in activities focused on expanding the graduate's knowledge within their technical discipline.
  • Ongoing commitment to our graduate's well-being with many resources at their disposal.

Intern program

  • 12 weeks hands-on experience within your chosen area of study.
  • Working in diverse teams who will support, encourage and help build your technical skills.
  • Gain exposure to the resources sector at the early stages of your career.
  • Build your professional networking with a range of technical experts and graduates.
  • Attend networking events with other interns and graduates.
  • Do a great job, and you can secure a Graduate role or be invited back for another intern placement.

For both graduates and interns, most engineering and science roles are based on mine sites (QLD, WA and SA) where you will work either Fly-In-Fly-Out or residential (the company will cover your relocation costs and provide free accommodation). Back-office roles in areas such as Technology and Commercial will be in a capital city office.

Remuneration

BHP provides its employees with attractive salary packages, including performance-based bonuses and an employee share program. 

Career prospects

The company aims to “attract, employ and develop [those] with exceptional skills” and encourage them to “grow, learn, develop their skills and reach their potential”. You can expect plenty of challenges working at BHP, along with global opportunities. If you rise to them, you can expect to enjoy an exciting and well-paid career at the company.

The vibe of the place

Most staff feel the company pays them well, provides them with plenty of professional development opportunities and does everything possible to guarantee their health and safety. It’s a friendly, relatively egalitarian workplace culture. You can expect to form strong bonds with your colleagues, especially if they are the only people within a thousand-kilometre radius.  

 From the Employer:

"Our purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world.

At the core of what we stand for as an organisation is a commitment to put health and safety first, be environmentally responsible and support the local communities where we operate. We are energised by the work we do, how well we do it and the difference we make by creating social value. We aim to build pride and loyalty in our workforce and always work and behave in a way that is ethical and consistent with Our Charter values of Sustainability, Integrity, Respect, Performance, Simplicity and Accountability. As part of the BHP team, you will work with highly-skilled, functional experts who share these values.

No matter where you are in the world, if you’re committed to continuous growth, curious about new technologies, and passionate about the impacts our decisions have on the earth, your undergraduate degree in engineering, science, technology, business or health science will open up the world of opportunity our Graduate Program can offer."

Recruitment Process

BHP offers graduate opportunities commencing in February each year, as well as 12-week internships for uni students from their second to penultimate year.  Given its size, the company requires staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and is particularly keen on those with engineering, geoscience, technology, business and science (including health science and environmental science) degrees. BHP looks for people who thrive in team environment, are flexible and resilient under pressure, are eager to learn from others and can think creatively to solve real business problems. 

The recruitment process starts with an online application which is followed by an online ability assessment and video interview.  From here, shortlisted students will undertake a 1-on-1 with a business leader where students will have an opportunity to ask questions about BHP, as the company finds out more about you.  If you are successful past this point you will receive an offer and if your role is based at a mine site, you’ll need to undergo a medical assessment prior to your start.      

Most engineering and science roles are based on mine sites (QLD, WA and SA) where you will work either Fly-In-Fly-Out or residential (the company will cover your relocation costs and provide free accommodation). Back-office roles in areas such as Technology and Commercial will be in a capital city office.

Remuneration & Career Growth

At BHP, a rewarding and dependable career can be yours. Our rich history and promising future, coupled with our strong and diverse leaders, various work plans and global locations, offer endless opportunities within our team.

No matter where you work for BHP, we strive to ensure that the appreciation we feel for our people is reflected in the reward and benefit programs and initiatives available to our team.  

Some of the key benefits and rewards on offer at BHP include:

  • global recognition and rewards program 
  • Competitive pay rates
  • 24/7 confidential counselling and support service
  • Easy to access mental health and wellbeing programs
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • World-class global employee share plan
  • Matched giving for charities

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.2
Overall score based on 50 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.3
Culture
8.6
Diversity
8.2
Satisfaction
8.2
Salary
8.3
Culture
8.6
Diversity
8.2
Satisfaction
8.2
Salary
What Graduates Say About Them
  • Great work culture, really good opportunities for training/development and to try other roles, lots of potential for internal promotions and movement to different areas in the company, option for FIFO rosters so you dont have to live away from partner/family, excellent pay, and work benefits (share plus, discounts, superannuation) are an added plus.
  • Support and inclusivity
  • So many opportunities and can see so many pathways for the future
  • The Graduate community and company culture. The entire time I have worked here, I have felt enabled and that support is accessible.
  • It is an incredible place to work, a lot of diversity in what you can get experience/exposure in, and an endless amount of opportunities to step up and take on additional responsibilities, and work with teams of amazing people.
  • There is a chance that you will have to live remotely. Some people love it, but others don't.
  • Hours of work are extremely long and often get mentally and physically fatigued
  • There is a lot of red tape that, though necessary, can slow processes down
  • Blessing in disguise - sometimes hard to navigate where you would like to end up in the future due to the number of potential opportunities available within the company.
  • There are the good and bad sides to being in a very large company

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Australia
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
P
Property & Built Environment
S
Sciences
T
Trades & Services
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
To help build a better world we need the best and brightest. Why not you? Join us as an Intern for 12 weeks in your summer break to start your career.
Applications Close
8 Apr 2024
Start Date
17 Nov 2024 - 7 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 75,800 / Year

Salary pro-rated for weeks worked, mine site based, provided with flights, accommodation, PPE, meals

Graduate Job

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
BHP is seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying from a range of degrees for 2024 Graduate positions across Australia.
Applications Close
8 Apr 2024
Start Date
1 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 86,200 - 101,000 / Year

Attractive salary package, performance-based bonus, employee share program, recognition, relocation*


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
While it is necessary to have a foundational knowledge of Process or Chemical Engineering to do my IROC role, most of the day-to-day skills I have used in all my roles are soft skills of organisation, communication, management, and collaboration.

Sharna Armstrong

  • Graduate stories
While it is necessary to have a foundational knowledge of Process or Chemical Engineering to do my IROC role, most of the day-to-day skills I have used in all my roles are soft skills of organisation, communication, management, and collaboration.

Sharna Armstrong

  • Graduate stories
The BEST part of my job is that I get to act as a sounding board for (really) experienced people and offer my thoughts on their ideas, plans, and dreams, whilst also contributing my own.

Rachel Fong

  • Graduate stories
The BEST part of my job is that I get to act as a sounding board for (really) experienced people and offer my thoughts on their ideas, plans, and dreams, whilst also contributing my own.

Rachel Fong

  • Graduate stories
While it is necessary to have a foundational knowledge of Process or Chemical Engineering to do my IROC role, most of the day-to-day skills I have used in all my roles are soft skills of organisation, communication, management, and collaboration.

Sharna Armstrong

  • Graduate stories
While it is necessary to have a foundational knowledge of Process or Chemical Engineering to do my IROC role, most of the day-to-day skills I have used in all my roles are soft skills of organisation, communication, management, and collaboration.

Sharna Armstrong

  • Graduate stories
The BEST part of my job is that I get to act as a sounding board for (really) experienced people and offer my thoughts on their ideas, plans, and dreams, whilst also contributing my own.

Rachel Fong

  • Graduate stories
The BEST part of my job is that I get to act as a sounding board for (really) experienced people and offer my thoughts on their ideas, plans, and dreams, whilst also contributing my own.

Rachel Fong


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Edmond Bell

In my current job, we work on small engineering designs like installing a new instrument or cabling for a pump. This means we often need to go out into the field and get photos to help with our designs and reports.
  • Day in the life

Edmond Bell

In my current job, we work on small engineering designs like installing a new instrument or cabling for a pump. This means we often need to go out into the field and get photos to help with our designs and reports.
  • Day in the life

Tuhina Pandey

I’m doing safety checks and talking to the work crews to make sure that the work is being completed safely and in line with our procedures.
  • Day in the life

Tuhina Pandey

I’m doing safety checks and talking to the work crews to make sure that the work is being completed safely and in line with our procedures.
  • Day in the life

Edmond Bell

In my current job, we work on small engineering designs like installing a new instrument or cabling for a pump. This means we often need to go out into the field and get photos to help with our designs and reports.
  • Day in the life

Edmond Bell

In my current job, we work on small engineering designs like installing a new instrument or cabling for a pump. This means we often need to go out into the field and get photos to help with our designs and reports.
  • Day in the life

Tuhina Pandey

I’m doing safety checks and talking to the work crews to make sure that the work is being completed safely and in line with our procedures.
  • Day in the life

Tuhina Pandey

I’m doing safety checks and talking to the work crews to make sure that the work is being completed safely and in line with our procedures.

Videos


Why choose BHP for your career?

Our employee rewards and benefits really are all about you - watch our video to discover the exceptional reward and benefits on offer with a career at BHP.

Why choose BHP for your career?

Our employee rewards and benefits really are all about you - watch our video to discover the exceptional reward and benefits on offer with a career at BHP.

Advice


Do BHP graduates live on site for the 2 year program?

Engineering and Science graduates generally live on site, but other disciplines will work from a corporate office.

Do BHP graduates live on site for the 2 year program?

Engineering and Science graduates generally live on site, but other disciplines will work from a corporate office.