What it does: One of the ‘Big Two’ supermarket chains, accounting for about a third of the Australian grocery market
Staff stats: Over 130,000 staff spread across 2,200 store, site, warehouse and office locations
The good bits: Great starting salary, potential for fast progression, variety of work
Hiring grads with degrees in: Property & Built Environment; Sciences; Teaching, Education & Human Welfare; Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Health & Medical Sciences; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies
Coles opened its first store in Collingwood, Melbourne in 1914, and over the course of the last century, they have evolved into an iconic portfolio of leading retail brands providing Australians with everyday products including fresh food, groceries, household goods, liquor, fuel and financial services via our store network and online platforms.
In an ever-changing competitive landscape, they remain committed to their vision to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value. Becoming the most trusted retailer in Australia means they are reliable and responsible, and delivering on their purpose to ‘sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives’.
This is why they exist. They have an important role to play in sustainably feed all Australians. From food waste to a sustainable food chain, they want to be sure they're here for another century, creating jobs, supporting their suppliers and making a positive difference in their local communities and to the 21 million customers who shop with them each week.
At Coles, the day-to-day decisions and actions of our team members are guided by our four Values; Customer obsession, Passion and pace, Responsibility, and Health and Happiness.
Supported by their LEaD behaviours (Look ahead, Energise everyone and Deliver with pride) which they exhibit when they're at their best, our Values shape the way they work together to get things done.
As a team, they start with diversity, and they thrive with inclusion. They’re obsessed with building a workplace where everyone is included, feels connected and can belong – and where their team are healthy, happy and can be their authentic selves.
Diversity is engrained in their history and will ensure they continue to win in their second century through the diversity of their team members, their customers and in the communities they serve.
Watch Coles Graduate Highlights
Feeding a nation and bringing value to the 21 million people who shop with them each and every week is a big responsibility. It’s fast-paced, and challenging and it’s not for everybody.
Which is why it matters that team members at Coles look out for one another. Because when you’re included, trusted and supported by leaders that really care, you can do your best work for the team feeling like you belong.
From day one as a Coles graduate, you’ll feel the connection your work has to our purpose, to ‘sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives’, and be accountable for decisions that can make a meaningful difference to communities and our supply chains across Australia.
At Coles, a bright future awaits talent who are ready to look ahead, disrupt, and to learn and grow. Who care passionately about people, our country and its future. Who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones to take on the types of unique and career-defining challenges only a group with a footprint like ours can offer. Read on to find out more about graduate careers at the heart of the nation.
Join their Store Support Centre (SSC) Program and fast track your career in their Store Support Centre (corporate office), which plays a crucial role in supporting their team members across the country. Based in Hawthorn East in Melbourne, it’s the engine room of Coles Group and a dynamic and rewarding place to work. You could be developing the code for their next mobile app used by millions, analysing the commercials for the development of a new format store or testing the latest range of Own Brand products before they hit the shelves. You’ll see first-hand how they operate and innovate to continually improve their customer experiences across all our categories and brands.
Watch Coles Graduate Highlights
Before submitting your application, please make sure you check that you meet their eligibility requirements:
How to apply
It's simple to apply for the Coles Graduate Program! There are 4 stages to the recruitment process, and they will keep you informed at each stage of the process but here are the key dates for you can expect to hear from them.
If you have any questions during the process, please drop them a note at emergingtalent@coles.com.au and include in the subject line and the Function of the Graduate Program you are applying for. Applications for their 2024 Store Support Centre (Corporate Office) Graduate Program are closed, however Expression of Interest for 2025 Graduate Program are open.
If you’re interested in applying, please complete the online application form.
This helps them capture information about your background, experiences, and skills. They want to hear why you are the right fit for us! Make sure you check to see that you are eligible for the program before completing your application.
Completing an application form will take you approximately 30 minutes, and once our applications close, you can expect to hear an update on your application within 5 days.
Applications close Sunday 2nd April.
Psychometric Testing
This stage of the recruitment process helps them understand more about who you are. Not just your skills but your preferred ways of working and how you approach certain situations. It also provides you with an opportunity to see what types of situations you could expect to experience when joining the Coles Graduate Program.
This online assessment should take between 45-60 minutes to complete and you can expect to hear an update in the next 1-2 weeks following the scheduled deadline.
Video Interview
The video interview takes place online where you will record your responses to a range of questions for us to review. It allows them to get a better understanding of who you are and your communication style. They will be looking to understand why you have applied to Coles and several competencies that they want to see in their future graduates!
The video interview will only take 15 minutes to complete, and you can expect to hear an update within the following fortnight as their team reviews each video interview.
Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre gives them the chance to meet you and an opportunity for you to interact directly with us! You will participate in a range of activities during the session, but most importantly, they want to ensure you walk away from your time with them with an impactful experience where you gain some valuable insights and understanding of yourself, and of Coles.
Their Discovery Centre will be a 3-hour session, and look to provide you with an update following your attendance in the following week.
Discovery Centres will occur week commencing May 12th.
Their Grads undergo a combination of on-the-job learning, exposure to senior leaders, mentoring and an active support network to develop their skills and expedite their careers.
Their tailored development program means grads experience early responsibility and projects they can own.