With more than 4,000 colleagues worldwide, our people are our greatest asset in delivering exceptional maritime capabilities for our customers across the globe; that’s why we support them in building exceptional careers.

For more than three decades we have been designing, constructing and sustaining commercial and defence vessels for leading ferry operators and naval forces. With a genuine focus on the research and development of emerging technologies and cutting-edge ship designs, we are leading the industry in the innovation of maritime platforms.

 

Graduates

Building ships and futures, our graduate programs build exceptional careers.

Through a two-year program which includes structured rotations, training and mentorship, Austal graduates gain experience from day one. Rotations through departments such as production, project management and design allow graduates to develop varied skills across shipbuilding, growing their expertise to enable valuable contributions to the team.

Applications for our next graduate program cohort will open in January 2026 to begin in June 2026.

Graduate schemes at Austal
  • Engineering: Design, Naval Architecture, Mechanical & Electrical
  • Business & Financing
  • Program Management
  • Commercial
  • ICT

Our graduate programs take two years to complete with support from the company throughout to ensure each opportunity is maximised.

  • Build an exceptional career: Permanent roles available upon completion, continue to make valuable contributions to a world-leading company.
  • Structured rotations: Real projects. Real responsibility. Real progression.
  • Mentorship: Learn from industry leaders who want you to succeed.
  • Inclusive culture: Be part of a workplace that celebrates diversity and innovation.
  • Global opportunities: We operate across the globe, with key operations in Australia, USA, Philippines and Vietnam.

Application process and requirements

Applications for the next cohort will open in January 2026, these opportunities will be posted on the careers website. 

Prepare your documents ahead of time, for your application we will require a resume, cover letter and university transcript.

Requirements for Austal graduate programs:

  • Australian Citizenship (ability to obtain a Baseline Security Clearance)
  • Completing your final year of study or recently graduated from university

Apprenticeships

Covering key skills within the shipbuilding industry, our apprenticeships provide an unequalled opportunity to gain critical experience whilst studying for a trade qualification, and delivering some of the worlds most advanced vessels.

Our commitment to developing and retaining exceptional tradespeople is reflected in our award-winning training record. 

Apprenticeship schemes at Austal
  • Aluminium Fabrication & Welding
  • Marine Fitout (Interiors & Carpentry)
  • Marine Fitting (Engineering)
  • First Class Machining (Engineering)
  • Electrical Mechanics (Electrician)

Most of our apprenticeship schemes take a duration of four years to complete, with support from the company throughout to ensure each opportunity is maximised. Uniforms, safety equipment, power tools and training are all provided at trade related Registered Training Organisations meaning new careers are given the best start.

Applications for our apprenticeship programmes are currently closed, more information will be provided here with future opportunities.