Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE)

This week we were delighted to bring the early careers sector together in Adelaide and Perth where our employer panels enabled employer members to showcase elements of their top-rated graduate programs and created space for peers to learn from one another. A clear theme emerged across the sessions: the strongest programs invest early in pre-onboarding to build connection between the organisation and the cohort itself. Presenters also reinforced the importance of intentionally coordinating and tracking graduate development – with personalised options for graduates to learn at their own pace, linking that development to organisational or broader industry capabilities, balancing technical and professional skills, focusing on the experiences graduates are most likely to encounter, and equipping managers and buddies to support them well. Thank you to our presenters Deana Webber, ASC Pty Ltd, Gemma Ieraci, Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Annette Heaps, Woodside Energy, Ash Warlum, CyberCX, and Sha R., Water Corporation for sharing your ideas, experiences and practical insights. This spirit of community, generosity and shared best practice is one of the great strengths of being part of an industry association. Thank you to our hosts CPA Australia (Adelaide) and the Office of Digital Government (WA) and we look forward to continuing the conversation with members in Melbourne and Sydney next week. https://lnkd.in/gDBhhVy3 #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #FutureTalent #Recruitment

Congratulations to the 2026 Top Intern Programs! 🎉 https://lnkd.in/gzy3h6eJ #AAGE #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #TopInternPrograms #Internships

It was great to again see AAGE members in Canberra as we came together for a generous peer-learning session with thanks to our hosts at the Commonwealth Treasury. Each year the AAGE Graduate Survey shares the feedback of over 3,000 graduates and in yesterday's session, presenters Minh Ha (Commonwealth Treasury) and Kylie Harvey (Australian Taxation Office) also shared practical insights on the design and delivery of their early career programs. Learning from peers in real time sparked robust conversation about how we can best support and develop early career talent - and the leaders and teams who guide them as they enter the workforce. Highlights from the discussion included: How AI is (and could be) used in assessment, and what good governance looks like. Managing candidate process adjustment requests - how to meet them in ways that are reasonable, fair, and clearly communicated. Ways to intentionally build communication and social skills for this generation of talent, alongside technical capability. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to a thoughtful, practical conversation. If you’re working on early career programs (or supporting the people who manage them), we’d love to hear what’s working well in your organisation so make sure you join us at one of the remaining sessions in this event series or think about joining the AAGE community as a member - https://lnkd.in/gDBhhVy3 #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #FutureTalent #Recruitment 

So good to be in Brisbane yesterday, hosting an event that brought the early careers community together to share best practice, swap ideas, and take away insights that will elevate graduate programs - and help us all better define and measure what “success” can (and should) look like. We spotlighted findings from the 2026 AAGE Graduate Survey and heard from two of our Top Graduate Employer List members, Rasika G. (Services Australia) and Todd Burmester (Stanwell), who shared what’s working in their programs: • Investing in the first 30 days and onboarding • Creating real connection to the organisation through clear links to competencies and the future skills graduates need • Building strong support through mentoring and visible senior leader involvement • Being inclusive while keeping graduates engaged throughout the program Thanks to Mallesons for hosting us. Make sure you register to join us as we take these sessions around the country - https://lnkd.in/gDBhhVy3 #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #FutureTalent #Recruitment

The AAGE Board is pleased to welcome Lauren Howard from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to the 2026 AAGE Committee. Please join the AAGE in congratulating Lauren and we thank all of the Committee for volunteering their time in support of our industry. #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Darcy Richardson as Director. Darcy joins the AAGE Board bringing a wealth of experience from the utilities, mining and energy sectors, and a proven track record in leading Early Careers Pathway Programs. Based in Brisbane, Darcy is currently the Talent Partner at Urban Utilities, where he oversees the delivery and management of early careers programs. His leadership has supported the development of graduates and interns across the industry, ensuring robust and supportive pathways for emerging talent. He has also served on the AAGE Committee for the past 12 months. Please join the Board in welcoming Darcy to his new role with the AAGE and congratulating him on his appointment. #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers

Ashurst is a leading global law firm with a determination to go beyond the ordinary by outpacing change. They have an exciting opportunity for a People & Culture Coordinator to join their Early Careers team in Sydney, and provide high-quality administrative support to the team nationally. Visit www.aage.com.au/jobs to find out more! #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers

That’s a wrap on The Big Meet 2026! Over two weeks and across five cities, one thing remained constant: powerful moments of connection that will shape what comes next. From Melbourne to Brisbane, Sydney to Adelaide, and finishing in Perth, The Big Meet 2026 has brought together thousands of students and leading employers across Australia. To our exhibitors, thank you for investing in meaningful early-career conversations and for championing the next generation of talent. Check out all our exhibitors here: https://lnkd.in/gdTtd9gU To our sponsors, thank you for helping create welcoming, professional spaces where connections could flourish. To the students who showed up curious, prepared and ambitious, and to the parents, mentors, and supporters encouraging them, thank you for being part of this journey. Register your interest for the Big Meet 2027 now: https://lnkd.in/g4sVAfC3 Until next year! #TheBigMeet #StartMyCareer #CareerFair #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #Jobseeker

Amberjack Global APAC is looking for a passionate recruitment professional to join their fast‑growing team as Account Manager, Recruitment to help shape the future of talent in the early careers space. Find more information about this hybrid role at www.aage.com.au/jobs #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers

It’s Perth time! The Big Meet 2026 meets today at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing leading employers and top graduates together. Hundreds of students are exploring graduate and internship pathways with Australia’s leading employers, and opportunities are starting to take shape. ☕ Grab a coffee and connect at our sponsor-supported coffee cart, thanks to Exant Advisory and ACAP University College. Perth marks the final chapter of this year’s national event series, and the energy here is a powerful reminder of why these face-to-face events matter. #TheBigMeet #StartMyCareer #CareerFair #GraduateRecruitment #EarlyCareers #Jobseeker