2026 Coles Group Graduate Program – First Nations
Coles Group Hawthorn East, Melbourne
Job Description
Coles is seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have studied a range of degrees for our 2026 Graduate Program.
Vision
Providing more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work with us is a core component of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and our Graduate Program gives us the opportunity to work with some of the best emerging First Nations talent!
We’re proud to say that 3.6% of Coles Group team members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, making us one of the largest private sector employers of Indigenous Australians. We’re connected to more than 70 Indigenous businesses through our supply chain and are taking steps every day in furthering understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights across our business. Where future leaders are made – are you next?
About the Program
From day one as a Coles Group Graduate, you’ll feel the connection your work has to our purpose of "helping Australians eat and live better every day". Our award-winning Grad Program offers two years (three years for Finance Graduates) of hands-on learning designed to help you grow and the opportunity to take on meaningful work and make an impact.
You will play a role in providing food, drink and home solutions that are delicious, sustainable and healthy for our customers; and ensuring to deliver a consistent experience for our customers every day, both in-store and online.
Why become a Coles Group Graduate?
At Coles, we understand that when you’re included, trusted and supported by leaders who genuinely care, you can do your best work for the team feeling like you belong.
During the two- year program, you’ll be working on real deliverables with clear ownership and accountability as you learn and grow through functional rotations, a tailored development program and a tight-knit support network.
In your second year, you will also complete the Innovation Project, where you will work with a team to solve a genuine business challenge with an innovative solution. The top teams will get the opportunity to present their ideas to our Executive Leadership Team and Coles Board.
We will support your passion and graduate journey with experiences and opportunities, with each rotation expanding your knowledge as you continue to discover Coles and yourself.
Discover our Function
Technology, Digital, Finance, Agribusiness, Commercial, Legal, Liquor, Marketing, People & Culture (HR), Property, Central Operations, Own Brand, Safety and Supply Chain.
Learn more about our streams and recruitment stages here: Coles Graduate Careers: https://colescareers.com.au/au/en/studentandgraduates
Learn more about Coles’ commitment to reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan (link)
Start Dates and Opportunities
The Graduate program begins in February 2026. However, if you have completed your studies, there may be work opportunities available at our Coles head office before the program starts, subject to availability.
Apply to our Graduate Program
Future leaders bring courage to the table, applications open 24 March 2025 and will close 27 April midnight, APPLY NOW!
Eligibility Criteria:
• Hold an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent residency at the time of application
• Have completed a bachelor's degree before commencing the program
As one of the largest private sector employees of Indigenous Australians, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply to our graduate program. If you would like assistance with your application or to have an informal conversation about the program, please contact the Indigenous Affairs team at: indigenousaffairs@coles.com.au.
Vision
Providing more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work with us is a core component of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and our Graduate Program gives us the opportunity to work with some of the best emerging First Nations talent!
We’re proud to say that 3.6% of Coles Group team members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, making us one of the largest private sector employers of Indigenous Australians. We’re connected to more than 70 Indigenous businesses through our supply chain and are taking steps every day in furthering understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights across our business. Where future leaders are made – are you next?
About the Program
From day one as a Coles Group Graduate, you’ll feel the connection your work has to our purpose of "helping Australians eat and live better every day". Our award-winning Grad Program offers two years (three years for Finance Graduates) of hands-on learning designed to help you grow and the opportunity to take on meaningful work and make an impact.
You will play a role in providing food, drink and home solutions that are delicious, sustainable and healthy for our customers; and ensuring to deliver a consistent experience for our customers every day, both in-store and online.
Why become a Coles Group Graduate?
At Coles, we understand that when you’re included, trusted and supported by leaders who genuinely care, you can do your best work for the team feeling like you belong.
During the two- year program, you’ll be working on real deliverables with clear ownership and accountability as you learn and grow through functional rotations, a tailored development program and a tight-knit support network.
In your second year, you will also complete the Innovation Project, where you will work with a team to solve a genuine business challenge with an innovative solution. The top teams will get the opportunity to present their ideas to our Executive Leadership Team and Coles Board.
We will support your passion and graduate journey with experiences and opportunities, with each rotation expanding your knowledge as you continue to discover Coles and yourself.
Discover our Function
Technology, Digital, Finance, Agribusiness, Commercial, Legal, Liquor, Marketing, People & Culture (HR), Property, Central Operations, Own Brand, Safety and Supply Chain.
Learn more about our streams and recruitment stages here: Coles Graduate Careers: https://colescareers.com.au/au/en/studentandgraduates
Learn more about Coles’ commitment to reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan (link)
Start Dates and Opportunities
The Graduate program begins in February 2026. However, if you have completed your studies, there may be work opportunities available at our Coles head office before the program starts, subject to availability.
Apply to our Graduate Program
Future leaders bring courage to the table, applications open 24 March 2025 and will close 27 April midnight, APPLY NOW!
Eligibility Criteria:
• Hold an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent residency at the time of application
• Have completed a bachelor's degree before commencing the program
As one of the largest private sector employees of Indigenous Australians, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply to our graduate program. If you would like assistance with your application or to have an informal conversation about the program, please contact the Indigenous Affairs team at: indigenousaffairs@coles.com.au.
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Coles Group
Member since: February 2024
Description:
Coles is one of Australia’s leading retailers, with an extensive footprint of over 1,800 retail outlets nationally. We employ more than 120,000 team members, engage with more than 8,000 suppliers, and we welcome millions of customers through our store network and digital platforms every week.
Our vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value.
Our purpose is Helping Australians eat and live better every day.