Graduates and interns

GRADUATES AND INTERNS

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Program overviews

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Opportunities

FINDING BETTER WAYSTM TO MOVE OUR PEOPLE FORWARD

If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our early talent programs, which include graduate and internship opportunities, allow you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be a part of our team to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal – to create a better tomorrow.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF BERNADITA

Every graduate journey is different. For Bernardita, that journey has included working with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to project activities and continuously learning from new experiences across the Rincón Project. Take a look behind the scenes and spend a day in her life as a Graduate Electrical Engineer.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MAKGEHLE

Meet Makgehle, our Mining Engineer graduate in South Africa

Transcript

It’s 6am in the morning and I’m driving to work. Come spend a day with me as a graduate mining engineer at Richards Bay Minerals in the North-East Coast of South Africa.

Kicked off the day by going through my plans and aligning my priorities with the rest of the mine planning team, followed by a professional coaching session which is part of our graduate program.

Time for the fun part. Heading to site to tackle a few tasks including a meeting with the production team to discuss and track plans. We mine and process heavy mineral sands, and this is a dredge where mining begins.

My favourite part of our mine? The view, we overlook the Indian Ocean every day and with the Richards Bay humidity that ocean breeze is a life saver.

I headed back to the office to do some light work, had lunch to regain the fuel I lost walking on the dunes and knocked off. Bye.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF BERNADITA

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MAKGEHLE

LOCATIONS

WHERE WE RECRUIT

We value the unique talents and diverse ideas our graduates and interns bring to our business. We offer opportunities across a range of locations, teams and work environments around the world. Whether you're interested in working at an operational site, a technology hub or a corporate office, there are many pathways to build a meaningful career with Rio Tinto and make an impact from day one.

Because our recruitment activity is tailored to local business needs and often aligned with university calendars in each country, application and start dates vary by location. Use the guide below to see where opportunities are typically available and when recruitment usually takes place.

Region

Countries

When to apply

Typical start date

Australia and New Zealand

Australia, New Zealand

March (final year of study)

March the following year

Asia

China, Mongolia, Singapore

Singapore: varied

Mongolia: July

China: October

Singapore: July following year

Mongolia: October same year

China: start same year

North America

Canada, United States

Canada: January, June, September

USA: January, September

Varies by role and location

South America

Argentina

Chile, Colombia, Peru: intern only

Argentina: July, September

Chile, Colombia, Peru: Intern only opportunities
throughout the year

Argentina: January, September

Africa

Guinea, South Africa

Guinea: August

South Africa: July

Guinea: February, March

South Africa: February

Europe and UK
France, England: intern only

France, England: Intern only opportunities
throughout the year

Opportunities may also become available throughout the year based on business needs and occupational requirements. Join our Talent Network and set up job alerts to be notified when opportunities open in your region.

Talent network

DISCIPLINES

WHERE YOUR DEGREE FITS

We welcome graduates from a broad range of disciplines across engineering, technology, science, business and social impact. While opportunities vary by location and year, the disciplines below provide an indication of the types of disciplines we typically recruit.

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Engineering and operational

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Technology

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Science

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People, Communities and Communications

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Business

Examples include:

* Chemical
* Civil and structural
* Electrical
* Electrical controls
* Environmental
* Geotechnical
* Industrial
* Maintenance

* Mechatronics
* Mechanical
* Metallurgy
* Mining
* Project engineering
* Process engineering
* Tailings engineering

Examples include:

* Automation
* Computer science
* Cyber security
* Data and analytics
* Software engineering

Examples include:

* Chemistry
* Environmental science
* Geology
* Geoscience
* Hydrology
* Hydrogeology
* Health, safety and environment

Examples include:

* Communications
* Communities

Examples include:

* Business
* Commercial
* Legal
* External Affairs
* Human Resources (HR)

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JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM

Rio Tinto’s graduate program is one of the most highly regarded early talent programs, with consistent recognition from Prosple, SEEK Grad and AAGE.

In 2026, Rio Tinto ranked first in the Mining and Resources Engineering sector on Prosple Australia’s Top 100 Graduate Employers list for its reputation, career progression opportunities and meaningful work.

The program also ranked among Australia’s top graduate employers and was named a Top Employer for Young People in Canada.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW: GRADUATE PROGRAM

If you want to drive real change, we're ready to help you get started. As a graduate at Rio Tinto, you'll step into a permanent role where your ideas, curiosity, and ambition can make a genuine impact. Our 2-year graduate program combines meaningful work, professional development, and a global community of graduates, giving you the support, skills, and experiences to build a career that matters.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the graduate program you must:

* Be in your final year of study or have completed your university degree within 2 yrs
* Have the right to work in the country where the position is based (citizens, permanent residents, student or postgraduate work visa holders)

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Getting started

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Build your edge

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Rotations

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Find better ways

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What comes next

STEP INTO YOUR ROLE WITH CLARITY AND SUPPORT

Starting a new role is a big step, and we're here to help you make it with confidence. Before you even arrive, you'll have access to support that helps you prepare for the move. Once you join, you'll meet your team, connect with other graduates, and start building an understanding of our business and the role you'll play in it. From day one, you'll contribute to meaningful work with guidance from leaders, colleagues, and our team.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

* Pre-boarding, so your first day doesn't feel so daunting
* Relocation and support where your role requires it
* Local onboarding and induction
* Introductions to your team and support network
* Connections with other graduates

WHAT YOU TAKE AWAY

A confident start, meaningful connections, and a strong foundation for your career.

DEVELOP THE SKILLS THAT HELP YOU THRIVE

The best careers are built on more than technical expertise. Throughout the program, you'll develop the professional skills that help you communicate with impact, build strong relationships, and navigate a complex global business. Through coaching, learning experiences and practical development opportunities, you'll gain skills that support your success today and throughout your career.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

* Global development experiences with graduates from across our organisation
* Bespoke, on-deman

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