Career Start Edge Program - First Nations

We have talented and passionate people, exciting career pathways and a supportive and inclusive culture. We’re from diverse backgrounds, with a huge variety of skills and talents. We believe that by promoting diversity and inclusion we can enrich our communities, our workforce and the experience of our customers. 

We provide opportunities to gain first-hand experience aligned to your degree, we encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work and use technology to enable flexibility. 

Our Commitment 

At Telstra, we are committed to providing support and a safe space for our employees. Telstra has several employee representation groups and the First Nations employee representative group, Dharrang, is led by a group of representatives and supported by a Senior Leadership Sponsor. 

Dharrang’s purpose is to:

• Represent fellow First Nations employees in the business and give First Nations employees a voice at Telstra
• Foster understanding
• Strengthen connection with the broader First Nations community
• Create opportunities at Telstra for First Nations people 

Telstra acknowledges that the 26th of January can be a difficult day for some of our people and employees now have the option to work on this day and take another leave day in lieu. 

We’ve partnered with CareerTrackers, a national not-for-profit organisation, to create paid, multi-year internship opportunities for First Nations university students in Australia. We’ve committed to hosting 20 interns each year (through winter and summer) to help improve the participation of First Nations students in the workforce and develop future talent. We’re working on matters like increasing First Nations employment, and better connections through digital literacy programs, e-health and community partnerships.  

First Nations Interview Guarantee 

Increasing diversity happens one decision at a time. It’s all about getting the right talent in front of our hiring managers. 

Did you know we have an interview guarantee process in place for shortlisted First Nations candidates? This means any external candidate who identifies as First Nations and is shortlisted for a role in Australia, will be automatically offered an interview.  

About you 

Because we put the customer at the heart of everything we do, in every corner of the country – you’ll be able to help us make a real difference to all the communities in which we operate.  

We value growth opportunities for all our people, so you can develop and build a career with a bright future. You’ll be part of a team that respects each other and welcomes new and different ideas. 

You'll need to be a great communicator, a team contributor and someone who likes to solve complex problems.  

You’ll also have flexibility in how you work, because we know it’s what you do, not where you are, that matters most. And you’ll be supported all the way through from our strong First Nations employees’ network. In addition, you'll be welcomed into our Yaama Yaama family, comprised of current First Nations graduates and alumni, where you will be supported throughout your employment at Telstra.

Why Telstra?

You’ll be working on projects that are essential to Telstra, and have a real effect on our business. You can learn more about the pathways and the projects you could be working on here.

Benefits: 

• Earn while you study, permanent part-time position, job security and promotion opportunities on completion of your program
• Mentoring from industry experts, supportive Managers who will help guide your early career journey
• Social connections with your fellow Edge undergraduates, and Telstra graduates, including a buddy to bounce ideas and answer your questions
• Work/Life balance, additional leave options (parental, volunteer, cultural, gender-affirmation, purchased leave), flexible work options and hybrid working where we will set you up with what you need to make Hybrid working suit you
• Support for your wellbeing through our EAP Benestar, including mental, physical and financial coaching and resources
• Exclusive discounts from over 240 brands, including Telstra products and services
• Unlimited learning, continued access to accredited online and on-the-job learning opportunities, level up your skills and stay up to date and future ready

To find out more about the benefits available to you, visit our careers website.

Program eligibility 

We’re looking for Australian First Nations students who have the right technical skills and education in these areas:  

Technical Pathways

• Software Engineering  
• Network Engineering  

Corporate and Non Tech Pathways

• Strategy, Finance and Business 
• Human Resources

You can learn about each of these pathways on our website. 

 To be eligible for the Career Start Edge program, you must have completed at least your first year of undergraduate study and must not be in your final year of undergraduate study. You will need to be available to work a minimum of 2 days per week for the duration of your remaining studies (we have flexible working arrangements so we are happy to work with you on what this looks like for you). 

You can read more about our eligibility criteria and get your questions answered here.

What's next?

To assist us to deliver a smooth experience, please ensure you upload your CV, Academic Transcript (unofficial is accepted) and Right-To-Work documents (Australian Passport/ Birth Certificate) when you submit your application. 

Our process after you submit your application looks like this:

• After submitting your application, our team will confirm you are eligible for the program.
• Eligible candidates will be sent a link to complete a HireVue recorded video interview and assessment task.
• Our team will assess all video applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final day interview.
• If you are successful, we’ll complete final background checks and you’ll be sent your offer.

Applications close at 11.59pm AEDT, Sunday 7 April 2024.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce in all its forms. We encourage applicants from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and applicants who may be living with a disability. We also offer flexibility in all our roles, to ensure everyone can participate.

If you have a specific impairment, which may be permanent, temporary or situational, our team are happy to work with you through the recruitment process (or, work with your Disability Employment Services provider if you would like us to). Learn more information on how we hire.