KiwiRail Graduate & Internship Programme

 

We have a vision for a bigger, bolder role for Rail and we’re looking for energetic, ambitious and talented students who genuinely care about creating stronger connections, for a better New Zealand.
 


2025 KiwiRail Graduate Programme | Applications open 18 March

It’s an exciting time to join our organisation and we’re searching for our next generation of influential and inspiring leaders to develop with us!

We have roles in:

Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics), ICT, Business/Commerce, Finance, Environmental Science/Sustainability, HR and H&S

Our innovative graduate programme offers:

  • An exciting and comprehensive 2-year rotational programme which will see you pushed out of your comfort zone and growing toward your full potential
  • Competitive starting salary with regular reviews
  • A guaranteed permanent position on successful completion of the programme
  • Senior management mentoring and a buddy from within the business
  • 5 weeks annual leave and a host of other great benefits and rewards

The Value of Rail

What to expect as a KiwiRail graduate

Induction

Upon starting the Graduate Programme, you'll receive a full induction (business familiarisation), which will include spending time across different KiwiRail depots and exposure to many of our business units.

Rotations

You’ll spend time in different areas, giving you solid exposure to our diverse organisation. The rotation phases will include structured learning components and work experience, consisting of a mix of both project and business as usual (BAU) work.

Training and Development

Training and development will occur on a regular basis, both formally during development days and courses, and informally through on-the-job training that is tailored to your business unit. Development days are a great way to spend time with other graduates from around the country.

Networking Opportunities

Network with current and past graduates across the business to develop social and professional connections. Join groups like the “Young Engineering Network” or “Under 30s Group” organised by our graduates.

Buddies & Senior Leaders

You will be supported throughout the graduate programme and assigned a buddy and a senior manager who will guide you along the way. Your buddy will be your go to person within your business unit, and you will have regular meetings with your manager to make sure your development plan is on track.

Talent Development Partner

Wanda is the go-to person who sits outside of your business unit. She will organise training, competency based learning, development days and schedule regular 1 on 1 meetings with you.

 

     
SIOBHAN
OPERATIONS GRADUATE
             
 

Be genuine and do your homework on our business and what rail can do for New Zealand. If that excites you then you’ll fit right in with KiwiRail.


 

Applications open soon
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Due to the high volume of applications we receive for our Graduate Programme, we have a standardised recruitment process to ensure we respond to you as soon as possible. Steps to our application and employment process are listed below:

Online Application: Applications open on the 4th of March 2024 and close on the 30th April 2024 for our 2025 KiwiRail Graduate Programme. You will be required to apply through our careers website with your CV and cover letter and we will review your application as soon as we can.

One-Way Video Interview: Shortlisted candidates will receive an invite for a one-way video interview, this is where you submit a video of yourself answering some short questions, so we can get to know you a little better. Video interviews allow us to respond faster to your application. We understand that this may be a new form of interviewing experience for you but don’t worry, we just want to get to know you better – Just be yourself!

Interview with Hiring Manager: If you have been shortlisted, you will be invited to a in person interview with the hiring manager for the graduate role you have applied for. This will give you an opportunity to find out more about KiwiRail and ask questions you may have whilst we get to know you better too. If you are unable to attend in person we are happy to organise a virtual interview.

Pre-Employment Checks: If you have been successful, you will be verbally offered a position on our Graduate Programme, subject to KiwiRail mandatory pre-employment checks.

Offer of Employment: Employment contract with KiwiRail signed and confirmation you will join our 2024 Graduate Programme. Your start date will be the 26th of February 2024.

Hear what our graduates are saying about the programme

Your Graduate Journey

   

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