Graduate program sets business career on course

Published
2025-09-17T14:05:54.022+02:00 15 December 2022
Business BAE Systems Australia
Sylvia and Amy human resources graduates

How many people – and who - do we need for Australia’s largest ever shipbuilding program?

Meet Human Resources Graduate, Amy, who is contributing to the workforce management plan for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. She joined BAE System Australia through our graduate program and works in the human resources function.
 
“The most interesting part of my role is working with our external customers – such as the Department of Defence and how we manage our workforce throughout our shipbuilding program,” Amy says.
 
“BAE Systems gives me the ability to work alongside the government while being in the private sector, which matches my interest in public administration.”
Amy human resources graduate
As part of the graduate program, Amy completed four rotations through different areas of our business that exposed her to all areas of the employment lifecycle.
 
She has supported employment contract and enterprise bargaining activities, the development and launch of the company’s new Reconciliation Action Plan, and the workforce management planning for the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
 

“Human resources is good profession for people with high emotional intelligence and strong problem solving skills.”

“By moving between different areas in a large company, I was able to gain a broad understanding of human resources which has set me up for a successful career,” Amy says.
 
“The diversity of the work has helped me understand what I like and which direction I want to take my career.”
 
Like all graduate roles at BAE Systems, Amy was supported in her role by a dedicated program mentor. Additional support networks within our organisation have also catalysed her success.
 
“Working alongside other graduates creates a sense of community; and obtaining valuable insights from past graduates helps you understand and appreciate the work that you’re doing.”
 
Amy joined BAE Systems after completing a Bachelor of Business (Advanced Leadership and Human Resources) and a Bachelor of Public Administration at Flinders University.
 
“I didn’t particularly know what I wanted to do after university... I was applying for entry level roles in government departments interstate as there’s not a lot of opportunity for HR graduates in South Australia.”
 
“But that’s where BAE Systems is unique. They offer graduate positions all across Australia – including South Australia – where I’m from and wanted to stay.”
Amy received the Business Graduate of the Year Award at the recent GradCon, BAE Systems Australia's annual graduate program event.
Recently, Amy was recognised as our Business Graduate of the Year at GradCon, BAE Systems’ annual event which brings together and celebrates the success of graduate cohorts.
 
“The coolest thing about my job is being able to help a broad range of people across the business with their different needs,” Amy says.
 
“I love helping people solve problems, it’s rewarding to improve the day-to-day experience for our employees.
 
“I enjoy interpreting policies and translating technical language into more digestible information and advice for our people.”
 
At the completion of the program, she will move into an employee relations role which will combine her interest in policy management and human resources – and of course, helping people.
 
“I’m grateful to BAE Systems for the opportunities so far and for the ability to continue this meaningful work after the end of the graduate program.”
Launch your career at BAE Systems Australia.
Register your interest in joining our upcoming graduate program.
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Sam

Media & Reputation team

BAE Systems Australia