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BHP

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4.1
  • > 100,000 employees

BHP Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Mining, Oil & Gas

What it does: Global resources company
Staff stats: 90,000+ 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, 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

  • 10-12 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, Finance 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 values:

Do what’s right  
A sustainable future starts with safety and integrity, building trust with those around us.  

Seek better ways  
Listening to learn and inspiring challenge is how we drive progress.  

Make a difference  
The accountability to act, create value and have impact is on each of us, every day.  

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 and Intern Programs 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
4.1
Overall score based on 90 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.3
Culture
8.6
Diversity
8.1
Satisfaction
8.2
Salary
What Graduates Say About Them
  • The company culture is great. It's built on a foundation of mutual respect and support, which is evident in the way colleagues interact with each other. There's a strong sense of community, where everyone is approachable and willing to lend a hand or share knowledge.
  • The vast development and learning opportunities that are provided to you... Leasers/managers are highly supportive of graduate's development and learning.
  • Very good. Generous compensation
  • Graduate program provides and facilitates various levels of learning opportunities to develop technical ability
  • The team environment and culture. The graduate program at BHP guides engineers into the right path.
  • Decisions which impact teams are often made at the wrong level with a lack of understanding of the impact on team members.
  • Lack of structure and proper pathway for grads
  • Very hard to get promoted to an area
  • Development opportunities are rare outside of your team.
  • Not productive (progress slow at work) enough as operating as large organisation

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

Opening in 3 weeks

Graduate Job or Program

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
Salary
AUD 89,000 - 115,000 / Year

10% Short Term Incentive bonus as a Grad Additional Allowances for FIFO / Residential

Graduate Job or Program

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
Salary
AUD 89,000 - 104,000 / Year

10% Short Term Incentive Bonus Additional allowances for FIFO / Residential


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories

Rachel Fong

Integration Lead at BHP

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • Graduate stories

Sharna Armstrong

Capability Specialist at BHP

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Chemical Engineering Major at The University of Queensland (UQ)


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Edmond Bell

Graduate Electrical Engineer at BHP

Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Electrical) at University of Adelaide

  • Day in the life

Laura Bishop

Graduate Geologist at BHP

Master of Science (Earth Sciences) at Oxford University


Videos


Q&A Session: What is it really like in the Australian Graduate & Intern Programs at BHP?

Hear from six recent graduates on what has surprised them about the Australian Grad & Intern Programs at BHP and their real-life experiences and tips.

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.

What happens at the end of BHP’s grad program?

If you apply yourself and work hard at the end of your graduate program, the next opportunity will come.

Upcoming Events


  • Mar
  • 12
BHP

2025 ECU Get Connected Careers Fair

Wed 12 Mar 2025, 10:00am - 1:30pm • Building 22, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive,, Joondalup, AU, 6027

We are pleased to invite you to the 2025 ECU Get Connected Careers Fair hosted by the School of Science, School of Engineering, and School of Business and Law.

  • Mar
  • 14
BHP

Curtin University Careers Fair

Fri 14 Mar 2025, 11:00am - 2:00pm • Curtin University, Building 101 Kent Street, Perth, AU, 6102

One of our biggest Careers Fairs yet. It’s definitely worth a visit.