Graduates & Students

Start Your Career with Real-World Experience

At MACA, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. Our Vacation and Graduate Programs provide students and graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry professionals and contribute to meaningful projects across the mining and resources sector. 

Whether you’re still studying or ready to begin your professional career, MACA offers the support, development and exposure needed to build a strong foundation for your future. 

Summer Vacation Program

Our 12-week paid summer Vacation Program is designed to help university students gain valuable industry experience while applying their academic knowledge in a real-world environment. 

Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll contribute to active projects, develop practical skills and gain insight into a career in the mining and resources industry. 

What We Offer
  • A full-time, paid opportunity during your university break
  • Exposure to real projects and operational environments
  • The chance to apply university learning in a practical setting
  • Mentoring and regular feedback from your assigned manager
  • A structured development program designed to enhance your technical and professional capabilities
  • Development in leadership, communication, presentation and influencing skills


Successful participants may receive an opportunity to join the MACA Graduate Program upon completing their studies.

Graduate Program

The MACA Graduate Program is designed to accelerate your transition from university to industry, providing hands-on experience, technical development and exposure to some of Australia’s leading mining operations. Working across a variety of projects and disciplines, you will gain practical experience throughout the project lifecycle, developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to become a well-rounded mining professional. 

As part of the broader Thiess Group, MACA offers graduates the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, build valuable industry networks and explore diverse career pathways across a growing business that is committed to developing future talent. 

Program Structure

Spanning two years, the Graduate Program provides a structured balance of technical, operational and leadership development.

Year One

Year One focuses on:

  • Discipline-specific rotations
  • Site-based experience
  • Exposure to operational and project environments
  • Practical technical skill development
  • Working with multidisciplinary teams

Year Two focuses on:

  • Advanced technical development
  • Broader business exposure
  • Enhanced project delivery experience
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Increased responsibility and ownership of work

As a graduate, you will:

  • Gain exposure to a range of mining and maintenance projects
  • Develop technical and operational expertise in your chosen discipline
  • Work alongside experienced professionals and industry leaders
  • Build strong networks across operations and corporate teams
  • Develop the skills required for future leadership opportunities

 

For engineering graduates identified as high-potential candidates, a third-year extension program is available, providing additional development opportunities and a dedicated pathway towards future project management positions.

Meet Our Graduates

Meet Amelie Twiss

Meet Amelie Twiss

Amelie joined MACA in 2025 after studying Mining Engineering and Finance at Curtin University, including two years at the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie. Starting at MACA as a Finance Intern while completing her studies, she transitioned into the Graduate Program and a site-based engineering role.For Amelie, the standout feature of the program is the variety of opportunities available across different commodities, clients and departments, helping her build a strong foundation in mining operations while developing her confidence as a future mining engineer. She values the supportive team environment at MACA and the chance to continually learn, grow and challenge herself.Outside of her day-to-day role, Amelie has participated in the WIMWA Mentoring Program, connecting with industry leaders and expanding her professional network. She also enjoys sharing her experience with aspiring engineers and representing MACA at industry and university events.

Meet Cole Mischewski

Cole joined MACA as a Vacation Student in 2021 while studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mining Engineering at Curtin University, later completing part of his degree at the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie. Since then, he has progressed through a variety of site-based roles with MACA and is now acting as a Mining Engineer. For Cole, the highlight of MACA’s Graduate Program was the strong focus on practical, hands-on experience. Working alongside different departments in the field gave him a broad understanding of mining operations and helped build valuable relationships across the business. He enjoys the variety and challenge that comes with the role, with every swing presenting new opportunities to learn, problem-solve and develop as an engineer. Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Cole has represented MACA at industry events including WASM Industry Nights, Student Meets Industry, the AusIMM New Leaders Summit and Diggers & Dealers. He has also participated in the MACA Cancer 200 Ride, combining community involvement with fundraising for a cause close to many across the industry.

Diverse Career Opportunities

As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to move throughout the business and gain experience across a variety of locations, projects and teams.

Graduates may undertake site-based development throughout the program and should be prepared to complete FIFO work as part of their professional development.

This exposure to different operations, disciplines and leadership teams helps accelerate learning and career growth.

Disciplines We Recruit

We are seeking expressions of interest from graduates in the following areas:

  • Mining Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering

Development and Support

Throughout both programs, you’ll receive:

  • Structured learning and development opportunities
  • Exposure to industry-leading projects
  • Mentoring from experienced professionals
  • Regular coaching and performance feedback
  • Opportunities to develop leadership capabilities
  • Networking and collaboration across the Thiess Group

Life at MACA

Life at MACA is about more than a job — it’s a place where people are supported to grow, make a meaningful contribution, and build rewarding careers with one of Australia’s leading mining contractors.
Find Out More

New To Industry

MACA’s New to Industry Program provides a supported pathway into mining, equipping participants with the skills, training and confidence to begin a career as a dump truck operator, drill and blast labourer or trainee driller.
Find Out More

Apprenticeships

MACA apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, industry-recognised training and career pathways across a range of trades, working with some of the mining industry’s most advanced equipment and technologies.
Find Out More

make your mark at MACA

Our graduates and students work on meaningful projects, gain exposure to industry-leading operations and build careers that make a real impact.

Explore our current opportunities and discover how you can make your mark with MACA.

Apply Now