Graduates

Our graduate program includes a structured two-year rotation plan designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of roading, transport, and construction. These rotations offer:

• Diverse experiences: Gain hands-on knowledge across various facets of Downer’s operations.
• Broader perspective: Develop expertise in areas you might not typically encounter, giving you a well-rounded skill set.
• Technical growth: Build the foundation for a successful career through exposure to real-world challenges and projects.
• Networking opportunities: Work closely with different managers and teams, expanding your professional network and forming lasting relationships across the business.

Rotations are key to ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills and insights needed to succeed in a dynamic and evolving industry.

At Downer, we understand the importance of guidance and support during the early stages of your career. Our Graduate Mentoring Program is designed to set you up for success with:

• Peer mentorship: A dedicated peer mentor will help ease your transition from university to professional life, providing advice and support as you navigate your new role.
• Career mentorship: An experienced career mentor will work with you regularly to focus on your long-term growth and career development, helping you set goals and achieve them.

This dual-mentorship approach ensures you’re supported every step of the way, giving you the tools to thrive personally and professionally.

At Downer, we believe that learning never stops. Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is designed to keep you ahead in your career by:

• Business skills training: Sharpen your abilities in areas like leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
• Technical skills training: Stay at the forefront of industry advancements with training tailored to your discipline.
• Relevance and growth: Ensure your skills remain up-to-date and aligned with industry demands, positioning you as a well-rounded and competitive professional.

With CPD, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to continuously innovate, adapt, and excel in your role.

As part of your graduate journey at Downer, you’ll have the opportunity to attend our annual Young Professionals Conference. This two-day event is designed to accelerate your personal and professional development, offering:

• Personal development: Engage in workshops and activities that build confidence, leadership, and communication skills.
• Professional growth: Gain valuable insights from senior leaders, learning about the latest trends and strategies within the industry.
• Team-building activities: Participate in collaborative exercises that foster teamwork and strengthen relationships with peers.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with colleagues, senior leaders, and industry experts to expand your professional network and open doors to future opportunities.

This is a key highlight of your graduate experience, empowering you to thrive both professionally and personally.

At Downer, we support your journey toward becoming a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) through Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ). As part of our Graduate Program, you’ll have access to monthly Skills and Technical Development Forums, which include:

• Chartered Status Support: Gain guidance and insights to help you achieve your CPEng status, fast-tracking your professional growth.
• Accelerated Pathway: Through Downer's Graduate Professional Development Program, you can accelerate your membership from Emerging Professional to Member in just two years, compared to the usual five-year process.
• Expert-Led Discussions: Engage with industry experts and senior engineers, enhancing your technical knowledge and contributing to your professional growth.

This program is designed to help you reach your career goals quickly, giving you the resources and support needed to become a leader in the engineering field.