Reece Group

Engineering & Architecture

School-Based Traineeship

At Reece, backing young talent isn’t new – it’s something we’ve been proud to do for over 20 years. Through a long-standing partnership with Murray Mallee Training Company, we offer school-based traineeships that give students a head start into the world of work – and often, a future career with us.

A Traineeship That Works Around School

Reece’s school-based traineeships (ASbAs) run over 18 to 24 months, blending classroom learning with paid, part-time work at a local Reece branch. You’ll work towards a nationally recognised qualification, gain credits towards your Year 12, and get paid to build real skills – it’s a smart way to get ahead.

The program is open to Australian high school students aged 15 or over. If you’re interested, chat with your school’s career advisor or VET coordinator to find out how to apply.

Choose Your Path

There are two great options to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals:

1️⃣ Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations

If you enjoy hands-on work and great customer service, this program gives you the chance to build skills in trade support and logistics while working directly with our customers and products.

2️⃣ Certificate II in Retail Services

Love design, sales or merchandising? This pathway is ideal for students interested in interiors and customer experience. You’ll learn the fundamentals of retail while helping customers bring their renovation or building projects to life.

Why a Reece Traineeship?

Joining the Reece team means more than just work experience – you’ll get:

✅ Structured learning with training and ongoing support

✅ A great team culture in a welcoming and encouraging environment

✅ Real job opportunities after school

✅ Meaningful projects that make a real difference

✅ A dedicated mentor to guide you every step of the way

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply Online 🧑‍💻

Start by searching and applying through the Reece website, and be sure to let your school know you’ve submitted an application.

Step 2: Let’s Chat 💬

A recruiter will give you a call to learn more about you and answer any questions you might have.

Step 3: Meet the Team 👋

If it’s looking like a good fit, you’ll have an informal interview with the branch manager to talk through next steps.

Step 4: Receive an Offer 📝

If your enthusiasm and attitude match what we’re looking for, we’ll offer you a spot in the program.

Step 5: Get Set Up 🤝

Before day one, your recruitment officer will get everything sorted to make sure your start is smooth and stress-free.

Graduate Program

If you’re ready to dive into a career where you can grow fast, learn from the best, and discover what drives you – Reece’s Graduate Program is the perfect place to start.

Whether you’re passionate about leadership, products, or people, our graduate pathways give you the tools and experience to build a career with purpose and impact.

Graduate Pathways

Operations Leadership Program

Take the fast track to leading a branch team. Over 18 months, you’ll gain end-to-end experience in retail leadership – from customer experience to logistics, sales, team management, and more. With tailored learning, mentoring and real responsibility from day one, you’ll graduate ready to lead with confidence.

Merchandising Program

Help shape the products and experiences that define Reece. You’ll start in a branch to get hands-on product and customer knowledge, then move into our Melbourne head office to work alongside the Merchandising team. Get behind the scenes of category strategy, product launches, trend analysis and supplier relationships.

Why Join the Reece Grad Program?

✅ Real Exposure: Go beyond surface-level experience. You’ll work across different teams and business units, gaining an inside-out view of how Reece operates – and where you might want to grow.

✅ Clear Progression: We back talent and promote from within. If you bring the energy, we’ll bring the opportunity. How far you go is up to you.

✅ Supportive Development: You’ll never go it alone. Each grad gets a structured development program, a dedicated mentor, and a buddy in every rotation.

✅ Build Your Network: Connect with Reece leaders, team members, and fellow grads. You’ll form relationships that support your journey long after the program ends.

✅ Work with Purpose: Help thousands of small businesses succeed – and take part in initiatives like the Reece Foundation, bringing clean water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.

How to Apply

1️⃣ Apply

Submit your application online, including your resume and details.

2️⃣ Online Assessment

For some roles, we may ask you to complete a short digital assessment.

3️⃣ Let’s Chat

A friendly recruiter will give you a call to get to know you and answer any questions you might have.

4️⃣ Interview

You’ll have an opportunity to meet with Reece team members and show us what you’re all about.

5️⃣ Final Interview

If shortlisted, you’ll meet with senior leaders to dig deeper into your goals, mindset, and what drives you.

6️⃣ Offer

If it’s a great match, we’ll give you a call with the good news and make sure you have everything you need to make a confident decision to join us.

FAQs

What is the Reece Graduate Program?

It’s your opportunity to step into a permanent role from day one and gain hands-on experience across the Reece business. You’ll rotate through different teams and branches, take part in workshops, and build real-world skills that set you up for a long-term career.

What’s the goal of the program?

Our graduate pathways are designed to grow future leaders.

• The Operations program prepares you to step into an Assistant Branch Manager role.
• The Merchandising program equips you for roles like Brand Assistant or Category Partner.

Who can apply?

Recent graduates from all backgrounds are welcome.

In Operations, you’ll spend your first 6 months in a plumbing branch before rotating across other areas like Irrigation, Pools and HVAC.

For Merchandising, we’re open to grads from Marketing, Business, Commerce and more. Applicants should be based in Melbourne or willing to relocate (note: relocation costs are not covered).

What kind of person is Reece looking for?

We’re looking for people who are curious, open-minded, team players and eager to grow. If you’re someone who thrives on learning and challenges the status quo, you’ll fit right in.

What does “branch time” and “rotations” mean?

Branch time means working in one of our Reece stores – gaining firsthand experience with products, customers and team operations. Rotations give you the chance to experience different parts of the business and broaden your skillset. You’ll also be able to submit preferences for where you’d like to rotate.

How long does the program run?

• Operations: 18 months
• Merchandising: 24 months

Recruitment opens around March/April for a mid-year intake.

Do I need to be an Australian resident?

Yes – the program is only open to Australian residents.

Any tips for applying?

Be yourself, keep your CV clear and up to date, and do your research on Reece and the program. Be open-minded about roles – this is a chance to explore your potential.

What’s the interview process like?

1. Online application
2. Online assessment (for some roles)
3. Phone interview
4. Behavioural interview
5. Panel interview with senior leaders
6. Reference and background checks

What kind of questions will I be asked?

We want to get to know you – your interests, university experiences, hobbies, and goals. We’re looking for well-rounded individuals with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Any interview tips?

Come prepared with your own questions. This is just as much about you deciding if Reece is the right fit for you.

What’s the training like once you’re in the program?

Operations Program

• Starts with a four-day in-person induction covering the business, Reece values, leadership insights and hands-on branch training
• Ongoing, hands-on learning in branch: customer service, product knowledge, logistics, stock management and team collaboration
• Access to online learning, selling workshops and personal development planning
• Assigned mentor to guide you across the 18-month journey
• Development days every 6 months to build leadership and business skills

Merchandising Program

• Four-day induction to kick things off
• First 12 months spent in branch, gaining deep product and customer experience
• Move into ‘The Works’ at our Support Centre, contributing to real merchandising projects
• Mentor support from the Merch team, plus ongoing development plans
• Grad Day, in-person workshops, and the chance to lead and present on a key merchandising project

Is there a uniform?

Yep – and we think you’ll like it.

• In our branch network, you’ll receive a starter kit and a uniform allowance after your probation period.
• At our Support Centre (for Merch grads), it’s business casual.

How We Work

Bring your best. Every day.

At Reece, we believe how we show up matters. Whether it’s for our customers, our teammates, or ourselves – we come to work ready to go one better. We treat every day like it’s day one: with energy, curiosity, and the drive to make a difference.

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We listen, we learn, and we work hard to understand what people really need – because great service starts with paying attention. It’s this mindset that’s helped us earn trust, build strong relationships, and grow into the business we are today.

The Reece Way

Our purpose is simple but powerful: to build a better world for our customers by being the best at what we do.

It’s not just something we say – it’s how we work, every day. Whether you’re on the trade counter, out in the warehouse, in the office, or on the road, you’ll be encouraged to take ownership, challenge yourself, and find better ways of doing things.

When we bring our best and back each other, we help our customers succeed – and that’s what drives everything we do at Reece.

Doing Our Bit

At Reece, doing good is part of how we do business. Whether it’s through clean water access, mental health support or creating meaningful career pathways, we’re committed to making a real difference – for our people, our customers and our communities.

Here’s how we’re getting involved – and how you can too.

🚰 Delivering Clean Water & Sanitation

As the founding partner of the Reece Foundation, we’re helping connect trade skills to communities in need. Everyone deserves access to clean water and safe sanitation, and we’re working to make that a reality – both here in Australia and around the world.

🧠 Looking After Our Mates

Our people are everything, and that includes their wellbeing. Through our partnership with MATES in Construction, we’re building mental health awareness across our ANZ branch network – giving team members the tools to check in, speak up, and support one another when it matters most.

🌱 Creating Career Pathways for First Nations Students

We’re proud to work with the Clontarf Foundation to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education, mentoring and career opportunities. Many of our trainees start their journeys through Clontarf Academies and go on to build long-term careers at Reece.

🏉 Backing Local Communities

From sponsoring the local footy club to stepping up during natural disasters, our branches stay connected to their local communities. We partner with our customers to support the places we all live and work – because strong communities make everything better.

💛 Walking the Talk on Reconciliation

Through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we’re working to honour and support First Nations Peoples. That includes improving access to clean water and sanitation and bringing customers, teams and communities together to help create lasting change.

🌏 Thinking Long-Term

Our sustainability strategy is focused on three simple commitments:

1. Building a better world for our customers
2. Being our best as a business and as individuals
3. Doing the right thing – today and into the future

It’s about making decisions that don’t just work now, but work for the long haul.

How We Support You

Because when you’re backed, you go further.

💸 Real Discounts

Enjoy hardworking perks – like mates rates on Reece products and brands. Plus, get cashback and savings on groceries, fuel, insurance, travel and more through our Reece Boost program.

📚 Learning & Development

We’re big on momentum. That’s why we invest in programs that help you keep learning, growing and reaching your career goals – no matter where you’re starting from.

🎉 Real Bonuses

Great work doesn’t go unnoticed. When you go above and beyond, you’ll be recognised with performance-based bonuses that reward the impact you make.

👶 Paid Parental Leave

Family matters. We offer 18 weeks of full pay for primary carers in Australia and NZ, plus up to 52 weeks of super. Secondary carers get extra leave, too – because support should go both ways.

🧘 Workplace Flexibility

Life’s not one-size-fits-all – and your work shouldn’t be either. We offer flexible, tailored arrangements that help you balance what matters most, inside and outside of work.

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