Whitehaven Coal is proud to be the leading Australian coal producer.
We operate six mines (five open-cut and one large underground mine) in the Gunnedah Coal Basin of NSW and Bowen Basin of QLD. Our operating assets are complemented by two high-quality, near-term and large-scale development assets being Vickery, near Gunnedah, and Winchester South, near Moranbah.
These operations are supported by offices in Sydney, Newcastle, Gunnedah, Brisbane and Tokyo.
Over more than two decades, we have developed a reputation for excellence in project delivery, safe operation, and targeted investment in the local economy and community.
We are proud of our people at Whitehaven, and we work hard to support and reward them throughout their career.
In NSW, around 75% of our 2,750-strong workforce lives in the local communities around our mine sites, ensuring benefits flowing from our operations are seen and felt locally.
Our workforce of more than 2,100 in QLD is predominantly FIFO and DIDO from across regional QLD.
https://youtu.be/WJ2y9Jc_7VI
Graduate Program
Our Graduate Program is a two-year development program intended to grow and develop our future leaders. You’ll gain practical skills and training from both on-the-job learning experiences and formal development sessions. To ensure a breadth of experience, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the success of a range of our sites and offices through the rotation program.
The program is based on rotations to give you the best understanding of our business possible. These rotations are residentially based in the Gunnedah and Narrabri region of NSW and in Blackwater in QLD. Our Daunia Mine in QLD offers rotations on a FIFO basis. We assist by offering camp accommodation for your first 4 months.
We also have opportunities for rotations in our corporate offices in Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane.
Applications for our 2026 Graduate Program are now closed. Keep an eye out on our careers page for applications opening in July for our 2025/26 Summer Vacation Program.
Program streams
We offer opportunities across the following streams:
Engineering
Disciplines we are seeking in the Engineering space include: Mining, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Mine Geotechnical, Civil, Metallurgy / Minerals Processing. Note: this stream is aligned with statutory qualifications through the NSW Resource Regulator that ensure you’re job ready at the end of the program. These qualifications include: Electrical Engineer (Open Cut & Underground), Mechanical Engineer, Open Cut Examiner.
Health, Safety & Environment
Disciplines include but are not limited to: Safety, Health, Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Environmental Engineering.
Disciplines include but are not limited to: Business, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain & Logistics.
Operational Technology
Disciplines include but are not limited to: Data Science, Information Technology – Cyber Security, Mechatronics, and Electrical Engineering.
Meet Matthew
Matthew is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in Wagga Wagga, South East NSW. After finishing my gap year working in Wagga, I made the move to Wollongong where I began a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Honours. At the end of my third year of study I undertook a 12 week Vacation program at Whitehaven’s open cut, Maules Creek. I was offered a cadetship where I returned to work throughout my Uni holidays and in return Whitehaven supported me financially for the remainder of my degree, after which I began my 2 year graduate program.
What does the average day look like for you?
My day begins at around 5:15am when I get on the bus in Gunnedah and travel out to Maules Creek where I work in the maintenance department. As part of my Graduate Program I am lucky enough to rotate through various roles which gives me a broad exposure to the maintenance practices. I have spent time working on maintenance projects, in the execution team, planning and currently condition monitoring where we employ preventative maintenance strategies to monitor component health and try predict failures prior to costly unplanned events.
What’s been the biggest surprise?
How approachable and willing to help everyone was, initially I thought coming into a big mining company as a graduate that it would be hard to get things done and to have much influence on projects, I was surprised however to see how easy it was to get involved and positively contribute.
Why did you choose Whitehaven?
After completing my vacation program, it was clear to me that Whitehaven provided an environment where I would be given every opportunity to develop and learn the skills required to kickstart my career as a Mechanical Engineer. So far, I have been exposed to a range of training, hands on maintenance and am currently completing the Engineers Australia Graduate Program.
How did you find the transition to North West NSW?
Transitioning to the North West has felt relatively easy for me as it has a lot of similarities with where I grew up, if you like playing sport or outdoor activities like fishing and camping there is plenty to keep you busy outside of work.
What do you think the next five years of your career will look like at Whitehaven?
The next five years will see plenty of opportunities to sink my teeth into complex engineering problems, work in various roles and continue to develop as an engineer in a supportive environment.
What advice would you give to graduates looking for their first job?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out of your comfort zone, ask plenty of questions and enjoy the process.
Meet Oliver
Oliver joined Whitehaven as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer after completing his degree at the University of Newcastle.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m from the Central Coast of NSW. I moved to Gunnedah for the job and really enjoy the lifestyle; it’s all about getting involved in the community through sport or other avenues. Working in trade-based roles alongside my university studies helped apply what I learned, and I couldn’t wait to start learning on the job. I didn’t always have an interest in mining, but I studied some mining-related courses at university and I’m now in the first year of the graduate program at the Narrabri underground mine.
Why did you choose Whitehaven?
The breadth of experience and the fact that you are not pigeon-holed into a single role; there is scope to pursue avenues that interest you and sink your teeth into complex and rewarding engineering problems. You have a purpose within the mine and that drives your progress while you learn valuable engineering skills beyond what you learned at university.
Describe a typical day
I’m on a rotation through Surface Engineering Operations. Day to day I deal with maintenance tasks, consulting with and learning from trades to understand issues and work towards a solution or assisting with the maintenance task itself. There are also long term projects that require you to be looking forward and regularly planning and tracking goals.
What’s been the biggest surprise?
The ability to get involved and get your hands dirty, learning the job and being able to go away and actively apply what you’re learning. There is also a lot of support to go and get extra tickets and qualifications, things that broaden your ability and versatility within the mine.
What do you like best about Whitehaven?
It’s a great culture to work in. Everybody is approachable and prepared to help.
How have you found the transition to full-time work?
The change to working day-to-day on projects where what you learn is immediately applicable is rewarding and an important part of stepping into an engineering role and developing your skillset.
Apprentices
Get ready to gain invaluable hands-on experience at our Maules Creek open-cut and Narrabri underground mines.
As a Whitehaven apprentice, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen trade. We have openings for talented individuals in the fields of Electrotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Mobile Plant Technology, and Automotive Electrical.
In partnership with Zeal Futures, our apprenticeship opportunities lead to nationally recognised Cert III qualifications from Registered Training Organisations. Don’t miss out on this chance to work with an industry leader, gain practical training, and lay the foundation for a bright future.
Traineeships
Want to earn while you learn? In partnership with Programmed Skilled Workforce, we offer a Dump Truck Operator Traineeship program.
The 24-month traineeship will lead to a nationally recognised Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations.
Applicants must hold a high regard for safe working practices, be committed to on-the-job learning, and be able to drive a manual vehicle.
Intakes for this traineeship are ongoing. Find out more and apply by clicking here.
Vacation program
Whitehaven offers Vacation Students the opportunity to join our team in a paid role for up to 12 weeks during summer holidays. These opportunities will be based at our mine sites and also our Gunnedah office.
Applicants should be pursuing a degree in Mining Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Geology, Environmental Science, Workplace Health & Safety or Surveying. We accept applications from students within all year levels at University including those completing post-graduate degrees.
There’s more than one way to make meaningful progress. By fostering a workplace that welcomes diverse experiences, backgrounds and ideas, we can explore more pathways to make a wider-reaching impact.
Our focus is on shaping an inclusive workplace culture that top talent is inspired to be a part of. Anchored by strong values and elevated by development opportunities, rewards and flexible working practices, Whitehaven is a place where everyone can progress.
Delivering more gender diversity
We set a target in FY22 to achieve 20% women employees and 20% women in leadership roles by the end of FY26. We achieved these targets early – with 21.7% of women employees and 24.1% in leadership roles as at FY25.
But we know there’s still work to be done. Initiatives like our industry-leading parental leave policy and our holistic Women’s Leadership Development Program help us continue to drive positive change.
You can find out more about how we’re supporting the exceptional women at Whitehaven in our Sustainability Report 2025
Empowering Indigenous employees
There are opportunities for local Indigenous people at Whitehaven. Our Reconciliation Action Plan sets out how we’re committed to connecting more First Nations people to those opportunities.
Our Trainee Operator Program creates opportunities for Indigenous students to join our team and we’re working with the Clontarf Academy and other education partners to encourage local students to consider a career in mining.
Today, over 10% of our company-wide workforce identify as Indigenous people – and we’re proud of it. You can read more in our Sustainability Report 2025
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There are currently no jobs available
Unfortunately there are currently no positions available at Whitehaven, please check back soon.
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