Virgin Australia Group is a major Australian airline group that operates domestic and international regular passenger services, charter and cargo services and the loyalty program Velocity Frequent Flyer. It is proud of its reputation for exceptional customer service. The Group employs around 9,500 people in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom.

We know what sets the Virgin Australia Group apart is our people and the drive that we all have to make a real difference for our guests. Our culture encourages innovation whilst ensuring that our guests remain the focus of our business. We deliver a highly professional and polished service, whilst ensuring that we are safe in everything that we do. We want dedicated people who are passionate about customer service and ready for the challenge of working in a challenging environment.

As a result every person that we come into contact with; our guests, our customers, our colleagues and the community will feel and experience better outcomes, based on the interactions we have with them.

The Virgin Australia Group High-Altitude Graduate program is a 24-month program that has been designed to accelerate development through an integrated hands-on approach, with a focus on building our future leaders across the Virgin Australia Group.

This program is like no other and will kick-start your journey to fast track your career where the sky is the limit.

Our Graduates are resilient, innovative, self-starters who can adapt, grow and positively contribute to our business. From day one you will have real responsibility and the opportunity to have a genuine impact to your designated business division.

The Virgin Australia Group High-Altitude Graduate program offers rotation opportunities within our Virgin Australia Brisbane head office and our Tigerair Melbourne head office across Legal, IT, Finance, People, Customer Journey, Revenue, Network & Distribution and Operations.

Below is a snippet of what you will experience over the course of our two-year program:

• ‘Jump on Board’ is an orientation experience that speaks to our Virgin culture
• An allocated superstar buddy who will support you through the early days where you are still finding your wings to fly
• 4x ‘Sector’ rotations where you will immerse yourself into an area of the business for 6 months at a time over the 24 months of the program
• 3x ‘Short haul’ routes, these are short immersions in chosen areas of the Virgin Australia Group that are designed to provide you a holistic overview of the entire operation and deepen your knowledge and understanding of our business
• 2x Stretch ‘long haul’ assignments where you will participate in real business projects that help provide experiential learning and contribute in a way that makes a visible change to our business.
• Leader led masterclasses that have been designed to impart knowledge and learning from our high performing leaders that will help you build your ‘toolbox of skills’ and accelerate your development and career
• Group presentation to our Executive Team, this is an amazing unique opportunity for you to present to the top team! Share your insights, learnings and recommendations on continuous improvement opportunities that you have gathered through your experiences in the program.
• “Now you’re flying!” graduation. At the conclusion of the program you will have an opportunity to celebrate your success with the rest of your cohort.

Anoop Rachamadugu | Infrastructure Architect
Corporate Technology & IT Operations

"Fast Paced, Dynamic and Exciting are words that come to my mind when I think of working in VA IT. You can truly never say things are dull. 

What really excites me about my current role as an Infrastructure Architect is that I learn, design and implement several new cloud technologies on a daily basis.

I've been at Virgin Australia for just over 7 years now. I've had the opportunity to work in several roles which include IT Graduate, Systems Consultant, Systems Specialist, and now as an Infrastructure Architect. Each role has taught me several skills and the opportunity to work on several exciting projects that I am proud of. Virgin Australia promotes a culture of togetherness and I've developed great friendships with several people. Everyone is passionate about what they do and this flows through the entire organisation which makes this a very special place to work"

Lachlan Crosbie | Finance Graduate

I joined Virgin Australia as a finance graduate in February 2019. The experience has been amazing, the finance team has been very welcoming, ensuring my transition into the company has been very smooth. The Treasury team assigned me a “Buddy” who has been helpful throughout the process.

Since my commencement in February have received exposure to cash & liquidity management, fuel & FX hedging, tax, insurance and back office functionality. This has given me the opportunity to experience a range of roles inside the treasury department, while also showing me potential career paths upon completion of my graduate degree.

Overall the greatest part about working for Virgin Australia (besides the flight benefits) is the people and culture, it really is a company that puts its people first. There is a real togetherness, with an attitude of everyone being on one big team. I look forward to my future at Virgin Airlines and what it has to bring.

Connor Wilson | People Graduate

I joined the Virgin Australia family as a People graduate in 2019 and this is an invaluable experience to begin my career. The program’s rotations offer me the opportunity to network and gain broad exposure to diverse roles and projects while contributing meaningful work across all levels. Through these experiences, I am constantly learning something new and this is helping to cultivate my passions and career direction within VA.

From day one, I was immersed in the dynamic and fast-paced nature of aviation and I quickly discovered no two days are the same with the exciting opportunities and challenges this industry offers. I enjoy the variety this brings to my work and I’m really grateful to collaborate with the most passionate, supportive and successful people who motivate me to expand and innovate my perspectives and approach to thrive on change. People are at the core of VA and this is truly reflected in the continued success and vibrant culture I’m proud to be part of.

You will be an innovative thinker and highly adaptable, you are self-motivated, passionate and want to be a future leader. We already know you work well under pressure and can adapt to change, because that is university life. You must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident;
• be a minimum of 18 years of age;
• be eligible to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC);
• have graduated university with either an undergraduate degree in 2017, 2018 or be expecting completion of your degree in 2019;
• have achieved a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 65%;
• be medically fit to successfully pass a medical assessment at your own expense;
• be able to undertake Domestic and International travel;
• be able to commit to a full-time role, with varying hours of work. (This will be subject to your area of placement during the program and Virgin Australia's operational needs);
• be able to relocate at your own expense to take up the graduate program in either one of our locations in Melbourne or Brisbane.

How many positions are available?

We are looking for 15 graduates for our 2020 Virgin Australia Group High-Altitude Graduate Program with positions available in both Melbourne and Brisbane across a variety of streams.

When does the Virgin Australia High Altitude Graduate Program Commence?

Our High Altitude Graduate Program will commence in February 2020 and will run for two years.

What are we looking for in your application?

We are looking for the people who stand out from the crowd. Creative and passionate individuals who are focused on developing a successful future career. A self-starter and highly motivated, we are looking for applicants who are willing to go above and beyond andshow us why they deserve a position in our High Altitude Graduate Program. Not only do we want to know your achievements, but we also want to get to know ; the person behind the application.

What will be the application process for the Graduate Program?

Step 1. Submit an online application, if you meet all our minimum requirements;

Step 2. You will be invited to complete competency based tests online

Step 3. You will be invited to complete a video assessment

Step 4. If you have stood out from the crowd in your online tests/video assessment, you will be invited to attend a group Engagement Centre at one of our offices in Melbourne or Brisbane.

Step 5. Panel coffee catch-up with our Executive Leadership Team

Step 6. We will connect with you to provide details for completing background checks

Step 7. We will make you a verbal offer for a position in our 2020 Graduate Program

Step 8. Contract and pre-onboarding paperwork sent for your completion

Can I apply for a location I am currently not located in (e.g., I am based in Brisbane but have applied for Melbourne)?

Yes, please be advised that you would need to attend an Engagement Centre at your preferred location. If you were to be successful and offered a position in our Graduate Program, all relocation costs are at your own expense.

What can I expect?

Our 24 month Graduate Program will kick-start your career and fast track your career path; the sky is the limit! The program is made up of four rotations which assist in developing your core operational and leadership skills.

What support will I get?

We’ll provide you with ongoing support right the way through the Program including:

• Induction training
• Mentors to provide coaching and guidance
• Buddy allocated from our graduate alumni or experienced colleagues
• Ongoing master class events throughout the 2 years
• Leadership and functional development

What career development will I get?

We will provide you with a 24 month structured learning and development framework to ensure you continuously develop industry knowledge and effective leadership skills that will successfully transition into a permanent role at the end of the Graduate Program.

What if I’m unsuccessful?

If you are unsuccessful in this round, this does not mean your Virgin Australia dream is over. You will be welcomed to reapply for the 2021 Virgin Australia Group High Altitude Graduate Program.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

If you have another question that can't be answered here please feel free to email

[email protected]

Application Dates

• Applications Open | Monday 18 March
• Applications close | Sunday 7 April

Online Assessments

• Competency based assessments
• Video based interview
• All assessments need to be completed no later than Friday 12 April

Engagement Centres

• Brisbane EC | Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 April
• Melbourne EC | Wednesday 01 May

Start Date

• Our Graduate Program will commence on February 2020

Virgin Australia places a high importance on enhancing its sustainability performance across its business operations. We move millions of people and thousands of tonnes of freight around our domestic and international networks each year and we have a responsibility to minimise the impact that our business has on the natural environment.

Virgin Australia is seeking to minimise our emissions in a number of ways, in particular through our comprehensive fuel efficiency programs, through our focus on sustainable aviation fuels, and through improved cooperation with key partners. We also understand the importance of reducing our environmental impacts to improve the sustainability of our business into the future. Key to achieving this is to ensure that our business strives to efficiently manage the resources that we use throughout our operations.

In the community, Virgin Australia’s strategy is to strengthen our partnerships to be a force for good in society. We play a powerful role in bringing ideas and people together to make a difference. We’re focused on serving the community and the national interest in innovative ways. We remain passionate about supporting the next generation of Australians.

Virgin Australia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive culture and supportive environment for our people. We believe diversity in our workforce strengthens our business and we welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTI people.

Virgin Australia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive culture and supportive environment for our people. We believe diversity in our workforce strengthens our business and we welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTI people.

• Experience the Virgin Australia Culture which is unlike anything else you have experienced. Become part of an internationally recognised brand that feels like family.
• Gain broad exposure across the Virgin Australia Group Business
• The sky is the limit when it comes to career development, feel encouraged to diversify your skills and experience
• See Australia and the world with access to heavily discounted flights for you, your family and friends on Virgin Australia and many of our interline partners. We are extremely proud of our Team Travel program and it won’t take long to realise why.
• Take advantage of countless industry discounts – Lounge membership, hotels, travel insurance, car hire, tours, retail… the list goes on.
• Improve your Mind, Body and Soul with access to discounted fitness programs and a free onsite physiotherapist. We also offer discounted Corporate Health Insurance through multiple partners to suit your individual lifestyle.