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Shaping the future: Inside the 2025 Graduate Development Days
Last week, our graduates and cadets from across Australia met at the Thiess Centre for the 2025 Graduate Development Days, where they took part in leadership development activities and sessions, toured the Darra Component Rebuild Centre (CRC) and heard from our leadership team.
On the first day of the program, the 56 graduates and cadets took part in goal‑setting and career‑planning sessions, as well as collaborative activities, before enjoying outdoor team‑building exercises around South Bank, Brisbane and coming together for the annual Graduate Networking Function at the Thiess Centre.
Mining Engineer Graduate, Tahlia Camilleri reflected on her experience over the two‑days: “I enjoyed networking with like‑minded people within the industry, from all different sites across Australia who are also in the Graduate Program. A highlight was hearing from Caoilin and learning about her career story and perspectives. It’s great to have a female leader to look up to as the Head of Technical Services.”
On the second day, participants visited the Thiess Darra CRC for a guided tour, followed by an insightful panel discussion on communicating with impact featuring Group Executive, Commercial & Sustainability Mark Lynch, Head of Technical Services Caoilin Chestnutt, and Group Manager, Asset Commercials and Projects Daniel Aspinall. The day concluded with an inspiring presentation from Thiess Executive Chair and CEO, Michael Wright.
Jaspreet Kaushal, Mining Engineer Cadet, shared: “I started as an Operator with Thiess at Lake Vermont, then decided I wanted to become an engineer. Thiess offered me the opportunity to become a Mining Engineer Cadet, providing financial support to complete my Bachelor of Engineering while I continue working on site and building my experience. I’d love to come back for the Graduate Development Days again next year, it’s been such an honour and privilege to attend.”
Our graduates and cadets come from a range of backgrounds and disciplines, including engineering (electrical, mining, mechanical, civil and mechatronics), geology, surveying, environment, digital and technology, finance and accounting, human resources, legal, information technology, procurement and health and safety, representing both Thiess and MACA.
Stuart Finch, Mechanical Engineer Graduate, explained: “Over in the West, I’ve worked my way through different roles, including short‑term planning, long‑term planning, estimating and various engineering projects. I’m grateful for the opportunity to come over from the MACA Head Office in Western Australia to meet not only other Mechanical Graduates in the Thiess Group, but also graduates in disciplines such as mining, environmental, finance and more. It’s been great learning what they do, hearing about their key takeaways from the programs and finding out about their journeys.”
The graduates were supported during the program by Thiess leaders, including Future Talent Manager, Dea Smith, Future Talent Coordinator, Ellen Taorei, Technical & Autonomous Training Lead, Georgia Jones, Group Manager, Asset Commercials and Projects, Daniel Aspinall and Training Support Coordinator, Madonna McLeod.
Facilitated by our Australia East training team in collaboration with the Thiess Institute, the interactive workshops and sessions provided participants with practical skills and insights to support their growth throughout the graduate and cadet programs and beyond, helping to lay the foundation for long-term career success.
