Eight university graduates have started work in the engineering, information technology (IT) and customer insights teams as part of Unitywater’s Graduate Development Program.
The two-year program offers permanent employment and unique technical experience to help graduates transition into their chosen professional career – an opportunity that can be challenging with many job openings requiring prior experience.
Unitywater executive manager People, Culture and Safety, Kenan Hibberd, said the program was delivered on a rotation-based schedule that sees graduates work in different teams across the business that align with their areas of discipline and interest.
“The rotations provide graduates with hands-on experience across various functions that aligns with their area of study. This supports graduates in developing a wide range of skills and knowledge, and determining their areas of strength and interest,” Mr Hibberd said.
“Since we commenced the program in 2013, 40 graduates have completed the program, and 36 of them are still employed with us in permanent roles.
“Beyond professional development for participants, our organisation also benefits from the new ideas and unique skills and attributes of our graduates,” he said.
The 2023-2025 cohort of engineering graduates supported the design and implementation of seven seagrass meadows in Moreton Bay’s Marine Park, to test the effective nutrient offset benefits of the plants.
Environmental engineer, Annaleaze Flynn, who participated in the project, said the trial would assess the durability of seagrass in varying marine environments, its ability to abate nutrients and enhance waterways, and improve biodiversity in the area.
“The three existing sites are undergoing a period of monitoring, and more planting sites are scheduled for seagrass installation in the coming months,” Ms Flynn said.
“The Unitywater Graduate Development Program has provided us a unique opportunity to apply our university studies to an impactful, real-world project,” she said.
Learn more about Unitywater’s Graduate Development Program: www.unitywater.com/graduate-program
