Whitehaven ushers in 2025 graduates

Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has officially welcomed its 2025 graduate intake, hosting a two-day induction in Gunnedah, NSW aimed at preparing the next generation of professionals for careers across its mining operations.

12 graduates have joined the business across a range of disciplines including engineering, operational technology, geology and environmental science. The event marked the start of Whitehaven’s two-year graduate program, which combines structured rotations with on-the-job learning and formal development sessions.

Whitehaven’s graduate program is a structured initiative focused on developing future leaders through a combination of hands-on training and formal development. Graduates are rotated across sites and offices, where they’ll gain broad exposure to the business.

“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,” graduate program lead Kate Le Pontois said.

“The 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 included an overview of Whitehaven’s history and operations, followed by a panel discussion with current graduates who reflected on their first year in the program. The new cohort then toured Whitehaven’s newest operational mine at Vickery.

On day two, graduates heard from general manager of community engagement Darren Swain, who outlined the company’s regional engagement and social responsibility strategies. Environmental advisor Olivia Hulbert also shared insights into Whitehaven’s approach to sustainability and site rehabilitation.

The event wrapped with an introduction to Whitehaven’s learning and development framework, followed by a tour of the Gunnedah Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP).