21 March 2025

Whitehaven welcomes 2025 graduates

Earlier this week, Whitehaven welcomed its 2025 graduates with a comprehensive two-day event in Gunnedah. With 12 graduates joining Whitehaven across different disciplines such as engineering, operational technology, geology, environmental science, and more, the event introduced the graduates to the company’s values, operations and future growth opportunities.

Whitehaven’s Graduate Program is a two-year development program which aims to develop and nurture their future leaders. The graduates learn through on the job training as well as formal development sessions where they rotate through Whitehaven’s sites and offices.

“We are looking forward to introducing our 2025 graduates to the business and providing them with an insight into the company’s values and the way we work,” said Kate Le Pontois, Whitehaven’s Graduate Lead.

“The Graduate program is designed to help them succeed and to establish a solid link with the communities and environments where we work.”

The first day of the event was spent with the graduates learning about Whitehaven’s history, core values and how key operations work. The graduates then participated in a panel discussion with the previous graduate cohort sharing their experiences of their first year in the program. This provided new graduates with an insight into what lies ahead before they embarked on a site tour and presentation at Vickery, the company’s newest operational mine.

Day two started with a presentation by Darren Swain, General Manager – Community Engagement, who talked to the graduates about Whitehaven’s community commitment and social footprint. This was followed by Environmental Advisor Olivia Hulbert, who spoke about the company’s environmental sustainability strategies.

The Graduates were introduced to Whitehaven’s Learning and Development pathways and the career growth and development opportunities available before the session wrapped with a presentation and tour of the Gunnedah CHPP (Coal Handling and Preparation Plant) facility.

Reflecting on the two days, Kate Le Pontois was delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the Graduates and the success of the event.

“We look forward to supporting the graduates through their two-year journey and hope they find it an exciting, challenging and rewarding experience.”

Whitehaven’s 2026 Graduate Program is currently open for applications.

Click the link for more information and to apply: Whitehaven Coal Graduate Program.

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