Onward Graduate Program
Launch your career with purpose
Locations: Armidale, Brisbane, Melbourne or Newcastle | Program start date: February 2026 | Applications close: 31 August 2025
Are you passionate about creating real-world change in the face of social and environmental challenges? Do you want to work with purpose, contribute to projects that matter, and be part of a team that believes in doing things differently?
Step into your future with Onward
Since 2018, Onward has been at the forefront of solving some of Australia’s most complex social and environmental challenges. As a values-driven consultancy, we partner with organisations across the resource, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors, helping to bring projects to life.
Our Graduate Program offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career alongside a team of expert advisors and consultants who are passionate, curious, and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and communities.
About the Onward Graduate Program
The Onward Graduate Program is designed to guide recently graduated students through their first two years of employment in environmental and community consulting. Participants in the Program will rotate through Onward’s five key disciplines, gaining practical experience across a range of industry sectors:
Assessment and Approvals
Auditing and Compliance
Engagement and Social Planning
Environmental Management
Spatial Services
Program objectives
The program provides a structured and supported pathway to help you grow into a confident and capable consultant. You’ll have access to:
ongoing professional development
mentoring by experienced advisors
valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities
skills training in consulting and project management
This comprehensive development approach helps build a strong foundation for your future career, while also supporting Onward’s commitment to cultivating emerging talent and growing our team of outstanding professionals.
Eligibility criteria
The Program is open to new starters at Onward who are approaching the end of their studies in 2025 or early 2026 or who:
have successfully completed their Bachelor degree within the past four years, and
have less than two years of prior work experience in the environmental or community field
Successful applicants will be offered permanent employment (full-time or part-time) commencing in early 2026 as one of the following:
Engagement and Social Planning Consultant
What you’ll gain
Real-world impact: Contribute to projects that influence the future of communities and landscapes across Australia.
Mentorship and support: Learn from some of the country’s most experienced and passionate advisors.
Diverse experience: Rotate across multiple disciplines to discover your strengths and develop a broad consulting skillset.
A purpose-driven career: Do meaningful work that reflects your values and builds a better future.
Why Onward?
At Onward, we don’t just consult – we bring projects to life. We believe in doing work that matters, supporting each other, and growing future leaders who will help shape a better tomorrow.
If you’re looking for more than just a job – if you’re looking for impact, integrity, and inspiration – this is where your journey begins.
Ready to start your Onward journey?
Apply now and help us deliver the next generation of thoughtful, impactful, and sustainable projects. We have opportunities available in our Armidale, Brisbane, Melbourne and Newcastle offices.
How to apply
Send your resume and a one-page cover letter telling us why you want to join the Onward Graduate Program, which office you would like to be based in, and whether you’re interested in becoming an Environmental Consultant or an Engagement and Social Planning Consultant.
Applications close: 31 August 2025