Transport for NSW Graduate Programs & Scholarships

We are a state government organisation made up of more than 28,000 people and we're in the middle of delivering the largest transport infrastructure program in Australia's history. We work across planning, policy and procurement, harnessing data and technology to develop smarter and more adaptive transport solutions.

Working with Transport could see you upgrading our road network on the Pacific Highway, from Woolgoolga to Ballina, so commuters make it home safely to their families and mates. You could find yourself consulting on environmental plans for the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis to design a sustainable future for our cities. You might be crunching big data to inform future network upgrades. Or building game-changing infrastructure like the Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Metro and Regional Rail projects to connect our cities like never before.

There are job opportunities in metropolitan and regional areas right across NSW - you have the chance to be part of creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Maybe you just want a job, but we can offer you so much more. 

• Work on challenging and rewarding projects with industry networks that make a real difference to communities across the state
• Access to learning and development programs, such as mentoring, soft skill development workshops, technical training and networking events 
• Work-life balance looks different to everyone so we offer workplace flexibility policies that are, well ... flexible. That might mean working remotely some days, having the option to start and finish earlier or later or allocating extra hours you've worked to a day off from time to time 
• Competitive salary package, plus superannuation and benefits. Ongoing opportunities for permanent employment
• Inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued, we welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities

Are you a recent or soon-to-be university graduate? Our Graduate Program could be for you.

This is an 18-month full time program which consists of three, six-month rotations across Transport. We have opportunities for a range of disciplines, including but not limited to, Engineering, Information Technology and Business. Opportunities are available across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Sydney, Grafton, Newcastle, Parkes, Nowra and Wagga Wagga. 

You will work Monday to Friday a minimum of 35 hours a week. Depending on your placement you may have the opportunity to work flexibly. This could mean working staggered hours, using additional hours towards a day off, or working from home. 

Graduates receive an annual salary at Transport Grade 4.

Are you a current university student? Our Cadet Program could be for you. 

This is a one-to-two year program with exposure to a range of work and projects across the organisation. We have opportunities for a range of disciplines, including but not limited to, Engineering, Information Technology and Business. Opportunities are available across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Sydney, Grafton, Newcastle, Parkes, Nowra and Wagga Wagga. 

Cadets attend university full time whilst working flexible hours Monday to Friday, a minimum of 14 hours a week during semester/trimester. Cadets work a minimum of 35 hours a week during university breaks. 

Cadets receive an annual salary at Transport Grade 1.

Are you a current or soon to be university student? Our Scholar Program could be for you. 

This is a three-to-five year program with exposure to a range of work and projects across the organisation. We have opportunities for a range of disciplines, including but not limited to, Engineering, Information Technology and Business. Opportunities are available across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Sydney, Grafton, Newcastle, Parkes, Nowra and Wagga Wagga. 

Scholars work flexible hours Monday to Friday a minimum of 35 hours a week during university breaks. Scholars have the option to work a minimum of 14 hours a week during semesters/trimesters.

Scholars receive an annual salary at Transport Grade 1.

We’re building the future for the people of New South Wales, and we want to be there to support you as you build yours. 

Placement Manager

When you join our Career Accelerator Programs you’ll be introduced to your Placement Manager who’ll work within your allocated team. They’ll support you by assigning you suitable work, helping you build relationships across the business, providing technical experience and development and goal-making advice, signing timesheets, and answering any questions you have along the way. 

Program Manager 

You’ll also be supported by a Program Manager. They’ll help with allocating you to suitable teams for your placements, setting up mock-interviews, and supporting you when you’re applying for ongoing roles towards the end of your program. They’ll also be there to answer any program related questions, offer coaching support and advice and check in regularly to see how you’re going.  

Both your Placement Manager and Program Manager work together to provide you with a positive program experience. 

The application process varies from program to program. Yours may involve some or all of the below steps.

Put your best food forward in your application and interview

Before submitting your application, make sure you:

Should your application progress, spend time preparing and practicing for your interview:

• Read the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
• Research the STAR interview method, where you describe the Situation, Task, Action and Result in each answer
• Practice answering interview questions
• And don’t panic! We all get nervous. If you’ve got this far, you’ve already demonstrated your talent and drive. Now just make sure you’re prepared and give it your best shot.

We’re diverse because you’re diverse

Transport for NSW is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where our people can be their whole selves at work. We champion people of all backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, family statuses and lived experiences. Here we celebrate what sets us apart because it brings us together and moves us forward.

We’ve developed a range of initiatives that support and develop great people from diverse backgrounds, and encourage a culture built on respect.

These include: 

• Gender-balanced interview lists and panels in the recruitment process
• Closely monitoring and reporting on gender pay equity
• Measuring the success of how we support the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, and women in underrepresented roles
• Accelerating progress for gender equality through the Male Champions of Change Program and our employee reference group, the WiSE Network (Women in STEM and Construction Network)
• Striving for 50:50 gender representation across our Career Accelerator Programs
• Reducing barriers for employment through our Jobs for People with Disability Action Plan
• Delivering our Reconciliation Action Plan to bring about better employment, economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

We’re diverse because you’re diverse

Inclusion means valuing and supporting all of our employees, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and people with other gender identities and sexual orientations. Our Ally Employee Network plays an important role in advocating for diversity to ensure our workplace is safe and inclusive for everyone. Each year, Transport promotes awareness through a number of events and programs, including Mardi Gras, Wear it Purple Day and International Day Against Homophobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

We’re diverse because you’re diverse

Transport has a longstanding commitment to driving gender equality across our organisation, empowering people of all genders to have access to the same opportunities.

To help achieve this, we have a focus on attracting, retaining and developing people of all genders. We have gender targets that we track and monitor progress on a monthly basis, we have a requirement for gender-balanced interview lists, we review our role descriptions and job ads to identify any biased language or pre-requisites, and we encourage flexible ways of working as a key enabler. We also strive for 50:50 gender representation across our Career Accelerator Programs.

Transport is also a member of the Male Champions of Change Program to accelerate progress for gender equality. Our employee reference group, the WiSE Network (Women in STEM and Construction Network), also plays an important role in connecting and supporting women, providing guidance to help attract and retain and build a pipeline from students to future leaders.

There are also a variety of programs, events and initiatives for all to be involved in and support gender equality.

We’re diverse because you’re diverse

We continue to reduce and eliminate the barriers preventing employees and customers from actively participating in employment, education, recreation and community life. We understand a disability can be visible and invisible and actively provide support and guidance for those living with a disability and those providing care. Our Disability Employee Network, Enabled Network, provides a voice to people who have lived experience of disability and help inform so that we are truly an inclusive employer and is the largest public sector DEN network. Each year, Transport promotes awareness through events and programs, including International Day of People with a Disability, Mental Health Awareness Week and RUOK Day. We also provide reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process and working arrangements to provide for greater equality.

We’re diverse because you’re diverse

Many of the Transport routes we use today - from rail lines, to roads, to water crossings – follow the traditional Songlines, trade routes and ceremonial paths that our nation’s First Peoples followed for tens of thousands of years. We are committed to working towards reconciliation and continue to recognise the spiritual connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is the largest of its type and will bring about better employment, economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples.

Read more about the important steps we are taking to better support our people and communities. We have a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and are committed to having more people join us and become an integral part of the Transport family.