Key benefits of our Specialist Graduate Programme

• 18-24 month programme with 3-4 rotations around Fonterra in your chosen field (Accounting/Finance, Engineering, IT/Data Science, Supply Chain and Sustainability)
• Guaranteed first role
• Personal development
• Incredible support – Mentor, Buddy, Coach, Alumni, peers
• Exposure to network with industry experts

• Must be a New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
• Can demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities, interests, and life experiences
• Graduated in your field of expertise which is aligned to one of our Specialist streams
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with peers
• Enjoys problem-solving, a quick learner who adapts to change easily
• Confident with emerging technology and innovative
• Flexible on location as our placements for selected programmes take place right across New Zealand

Hear from some of our Specialist Graduates:

Tamahauiti Potaka, Sustainability Graduate 2021/2022

The Specialist Graduate Programme provides you with opportunities to be immersed in a range of challenging, interesting, and complex roles that really get you thinking. The programme is designed to support your learning, skill development and there are endless work opportunities and experiences at the tip of your fingers. I have recently rolled off the programme into the role of a Strategy and Implementation Analyst, I believe the programme provided me with the essential building blocks to venture into the business and deliver on our strategy. 

Jeeny Then, IT Graduate 2022/2023

As part of a two year rotational programme you get to experience so many different aspects of IT in one of the biggest corporations in the world. I am currently in the Business Analyst space but previously have touched on Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity and Data in my past rotations. I would really recommend to come and be a part of the team if you're interested in giving everything a go at least once, and being a part of some of the biggest projects happening in all of New Zealand!

Katherine Aitken, Supply Chain Graduate 2022/2023

The Supply Chain Specialist stream has given me a range of opportunities across four diverse teams in the Co-Op. I have been supported and encouraged to develop all areas of my capability including building upon my specialist interests and growing my interpersonal skills. The underpinning development framework within the program has allowed me to network with all graduates around NZ and build my development plan. Additionally, there are opportunities to volunteer in local communities and visit our key distribution and manufacturing sites around the country!

Yuen Hao Chia, Accounting & Finance Graduate 2022/2023

The Accounting and Finance Specialist Program has enabled me to work across diverse finance teams, such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Commercial Performance, and Global Accounting Services. This experience has helped me develop new skills, gain valuable insights into Fonterra's operations, and connect with incredible people. Throughout my journey, I've encountered supportive and helpful colleagues, making the experience both enjoyable and enriching.

• A well-established apprenticeship programme in a world-class manufacturing environment
• Focus on pastoral care and qualification support
• A 4-year (8000 hour) fixed term contract
• Monday to Friday day roster, 40 hours per week
• A comprehensive starting tool kit
• UniMed Health Insurance
• 5-weeks of paid annual leave
• Coverage of all training related costs in a fully funded apprenticeship

• Theory-based learning balanced with practical hands-on training and work experience
• Combination of online learning, on the job assessments and block courses
• Work on equipment breakdowns, preventative maintenance, fault diagnostics, maintenance planning and scheduling, shut down maintenance and exposure to highly automated and site utilities assets such as boilers
• Learn about the repair, maintenance and installation of mechanical motors, pumps, valves and a variety of cutting edge technology and assets with exposure to vibration analysis, welding, fabrication, and robotics
• Combination of online learning, on the job assessments and block courses
• Work with highly experienced, qualified teams who support the development of your skills and learning 
• We partner with external specialist training organisation to develop a formal training plan and to provide coaching to qualification
• Experience across multiple large scale, advanced industrial manufacturing sites

Download the flyer here.

• NCEA Level 2 with Maths and English, or equivalent Level 3 qualification
• An interest and aptitude in hands-on engineering work
• Restricted driver’s license
• Keen interest in solving problems, a curiosity to learn and being able
• Enjoy working in different situations with different people
• A passion to qualify and build a career in your chosen field
• 16 + years old

A well-established apprenticeship programme in a world-class manufacturing environment.
 

• High level of pastoral care and qualification support
• A 4-year (8000 hour) fixed term contract 
• Monday to Friday day roster, 40 hours per week
• A comprehensive starting tool kit 
• UniMed Health Insurance
• 5-weeks of paid annual leave
• Coverage of all training related costs in a fully funded apprenticeship

• Theory-based learning balanced with practical hands-on training and work experience
• Combination of online learning, on the job assessments and block courses
• Work on the maintenance and repair of some of our 480 fleet of milk tankers, focusing on fault finding, computer diagnostics and fault finding using cutting edge technology and the latest tools and gear
• Learn all things diesel from transmissions to pumps, planning, diagnostics, fault finding and preventative maintenance all to keep our fleet moving
• Combination of online learning, on the job assessments and block courses
• Work with highly experienced, qualified teams who support the development of your skills and learning
• We partner with external specialist training organisation to develop a formal training plan and to provide coaching to qualification
• Experience across multiple large scale, advanced industrial manufacturing workshops

Download the flyer here.

• NCEA Level 2 with Maths and English, or equivalent Level 3 qualification
• An interest and aptitude in hands-on engineering work
• Restricted driver’s license
• Keen interest in solving problems, a curiosity to learn and being able to work in different situations with different people
• Enjoy working in different situations with different people
• A passion to qualify and build a career in your chosen field
• 16 + years old

• A well-established apprenticeship programme in a world-class manufacturing environment
• Focus on pastoral care and qualification support
• A 4-year (8000 hour) fixed term contract
• Monday to Friday day roster, 40 hours per week
• A comprehensive starting tool kit
• UniMed Health Insurance
• 5-weeks of paid annual leave
• Coverage of all training related costs in a fully funded apprenticeship

• Theory-based learning balanced with practical hands-on training and work experience
• Combination of online learning, on the job assessments and block courses
• Work on wiring equipment, equipment breakdowns, preventative maintenance, fault diagnostics, maintenance planning and scheduling, shut down maintenance and installations, with exposure to instrumentation and site utilities assets
• Learn how to repair and maintain a huge variety of advanced technology including PLC's, highly automated packing and process machinery
• Work with highly experienced, qualified teams who support the development of your skills and learning
• Partner with external specialist training organisation to develop a formal training plan and to provide coaching to qualification
• Experience across multiple large scale, advanced industrial manufacturing sites

Download the flyer here.

• NCEA Level 2 with Maths, Physics and English, or equivalent Level 3 qualification
• An interest and aptitude in hands-on engineering work
• Restricted driver’s license
• Keen interest in solving problems, a curiosity to learn and being able to work in different situations with different people
• Enjoy working in different situations with different people
• A passion to qualify and build a career in your chosen field
• 16 + years old

This traineeship is ideal for people who have a love for all things energy.  This is a hands-on traineeship which focuses on problem solving, efficiency and optimisation. 

There is plenty of variety, no day is the same - from preventative maintenance to keeping our world class energy centres running and getting involved in our energy transformations. The learning opportunities are endless.  

Successful Trainees will get certified with NZ Certificate in Energy & Chemical Process Operations Level 3 & 4.

• Theory-based learning alignment with practical work 
• 3 year programme contributing toward a NZ Certificate in Energy & Chemical Process Operations Level 3 & 4. 
• Initially, you'll work from Monday to Friday on-site before progressing into shift work experience.   
• Focusing on everything from water treatment to boiler operation and optimisation.  
• Learn how to proactively maintain a huge variety of the industry’s cutting-edge technology.  
• Learn about planning work, shut down maintenance, and assist with troubleshooting and breakdowns – there’s plenty of variety here! 

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being hands on and is eager to learn more! You’ll have experience working with machinery and equipment or in a trade related role and an interest in the bigger picture. With the ability to think on your feet when a problem pops up, a great work ethic and enjoys working in a team, this could be your chance to stamp your influence on the future! 

 Other key skills and experience include:  

• Enjoys problem solving, a quick learner who adapts to change easily  
• Confident with emerging technology and a strong engineering aptitude  
• Interest in continuous improvement as well as Health and Safety  
• A minimum restricted driver license with a commitment to secure your full drivers’ licence 
• Achieved NCEA Level 2 in Maths and a related Science (Physics or Chemistry) or equivalent 

Overall, it’s your positive attitude and your ambition that will set you apart!  

This Forklift driver Traineeship is ideal for young people passionate about transport and logistics. This is a hands-on traineeship that focuses on working with your team to develop the safe practice skills required to ensure all our people are safe at work.  

There is a range of varied learning experiences, on the job assessments and mentors to support you navigate those first steps into a new career. Our highly experienced teams will be there to guide and support you along the way while gaining exposure to all areas of the Distribution Centre sites and beyond. 

• Theory-based learning alignment with practical work.

• 12 month support and mentoring programme.

• Opportunity to achieve NZ Certificate in Dairycraft - Logistics Level 3.

• Take part in a range of internal and external courses, to ensure you gain the necessary Forklift Licensing and certification to be successful in your chosen career.

• Initially, you'll work from Monday to Friday on-site before progressing to shift work experience.   

• Learn how to proactively manage your time and skills to support your team.

• Team support to develop an understanding of the dairy industry, ensuring we meet our high standards of food safety and quality.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on and is eager to learn more! You’ll have a genuine interest in working with machinery and equipment, enjoy figuring out how things work and pick up technical details quickly. Your great work ethic and ability to work as part of a team will ensure you are part of Fonterra’s future! 

 Other key skills and experience include:  

• Achieved or in the process of attaining NCEA Level 1.

• Enjoys problem-solving, a quick learner who adapts to change easily.   

• Confident with emerging technology and a strong mechanical aptitude.

• A full class 1 driving license, or the ability to obtain within a month of accepting employment.

• Ability to use computer systems confidently. 

 
Overall, it’s your positive attitude and your ambition that will set you apart!