Austal Graduate Program

Launch your Career in Shipbuilding!

At Austal Australia, we’re not just building ships - we’re building futures. Our Graduate Program provides a clear entry point into one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, offering real-world experience from day one. The two-year program includes structured development, training, and mentorship from experienced professionals. Graduates will rotate through key departments such as production, project management, design and more, gaining exposure to the full scope of shipbuilding operations while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in the maritime industry.

Key Dates

Intake: July/August 2025
Applications Close: 30^th July 2025

What We Offer

2-year structured rotational program
Tailored professional development plan
Regular feedback and career coaching
Opportunities to work across departments
Permanent full-time roles upon successful completion

Graduate Opportunities (2025 Intake)

Engineering Graduates: Design, Naval Architecture, Mechanical & Electrical

Gain practical experience across key disciplines, including design, naval architecture, mechanical, and electrical engineering. You'll contribute to the development of innovative vessels, working on everything from propulsion and structural design to electrical systems and automation - playing a direct role in delivering cutting-edge shipbuilding solutions.

Business & Financing Graduates

Support the backbone of our operations by ensuring financial integrity and strategic growth. Engage in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business success and operational excellence.

Program Management Graduates

Gain proficiency in continuously balancing the PM triangle of cost, scope, and budget to deliver maximum stakeholder value. You will observe how more senior roles require increasing levels of coordination to deliver complex, large-scale maritime projects. As a Program Management Graduate, you’ll be involved in planning, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder engagement throughout the entire project lifecycle. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the on-time, on-budget delivery of high-performance vessels, all while developing your capabilities in leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making.

Commercial Graduates

Graduates in Commercial Sales will be involved in the development of Commercial Proposals for our Commercial vessel customers. This includes responding to RFI’s and RFQ’s for new vessel proposals, development of pricing solutions and ensuring our proposals meet or exceed customer requirements, are competitive and are ultimately successful resulting in new vessel sales.

ICT Graduates

Support the digital backbone of Austal’s operations through exposure to key areas such as software development, systems administration, cybersecurity, and network management. Work alongside experienced professionals to help drive innovation, maintain critical infrastructure, and enable smart shipbuilding through advanced technology solutions.

Why Choose Austal?

We’re proud to be Australia’s leading defence prime contractor and the world’s largest shipbuilder. But beyond that, we’re proud of our people and the impact we make together.

Fast-Track Your Career: Real projects. Real responsibility. Real progression.
Mentorship: Learn from industry leaders who care about your growth.
Rotation Experience: Explore diverse areas of the business.
Inclusive Culture: Be part of a workplace that celebrates diversity and innovation.
Global Opportunities: Our footprint extends across the US, Asia, and beyond.

How to Apply

Ready to build the future with us?

Step 1: Prepare your application documents - resume, cover letter and university transcript

Step 2: Submit your application ( Careers at AustalGraduates – Engineering, Business/Finance & Program Management )

Step 3: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

What you’ll Need

Australian Citizenship (ability to obtain a Baseline Security Clearance)
Completing your final year of study, or recently graduated.

Hear from our Graduates...

Kulith Rabel, Deputy Project Manager, Austal Australia

"I joined the Austal Graduate Development Program in January 2022 and through a well-structured Program, I had the opportunity to complete a diverse range of rotations within departments across the Austal business. These rotations included Supply Chain, Production, Operations at the Austal Cairns Shipyard, and Sales and Business Development. Each rotation provided me with invaluable knowledge into different aspects of the business and assisted me with shaping my understanding of the end-to-end project deliver. These experiences were instrumental in aligning my long-term career goal of becoming a Project Manager.

I graduated from the Graduate Program in February 2024, having been offered a full-time role as an Assistant Project Manager. Since then, I have progressed into a Deputy Project Manager role, which has provided me with even more exposure to project execution and leadership. The support I received during the Graduate Program, from my dedicated mentor to the Graduate Program Manager, played key roles in developing my confidence and provided me with the skills required to step into these roles.

The Austal Graduate Development Program set the foundation for my career, offering me the required technical and practical experience. Most importantly, my growth was championed by the tremendous supportive network that was provided by the Graduate Program.

I would highly recommend the Austal Graduate Development Program as it offers the required support and an incredible pathway to build lasting connections and a strong network, explore the Austal business, and take meaningful steps towards a rewarding career of your choice within the Austal business."

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Need More Info?

Email us at talent@austal.com

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Austal Graduate Program