Posted 23 July, 2026
Vacation Student - Human Resources
Build a rewarding career in Australia’s mining industry.
Are you looking to gain real-world experience while completing your Human Resources (HR) degree? Whitehaven Coal is offering an exciting opportunity for a Vacation Student – Human Resources to join our team at Blackwater Mine, Central Queensland during the 2026/27 university summer break.
This structured 12-week paid vacation program provides invaluable exposure to site-based mining operations, allowing you to apply your studies in a practical environment while working alongside experienced industry professionals.
You'll gain hands-on experience, develop your professional capabilities, and build valuable industry connections, all while discovering what a future career with Whitehaven could look like.
Program Highlights
• 12-week site-based program (November 2026 – February 2027)
• Hands-on experience in an operational open cut coal mine
• Camp accommodation provided for the duration of the program
• Mentoring and support from experienced HR professionals
• Exposure to contemporary people management practices, workforce planning and employee engagement initiatives
• Opportunity to build your professional network and industry knowledge
What You’ll Do
As a Vacation Student in Human Resources, you'll work closely with our site HR team and gain exposure to a broad range of activities that support a safe and productive mining operation with a high-performing and engaged workforce.
You will:
• Assist with a variety of HR activities across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee engagement and workforce support
• Support HR projects and initiatives that contribute to operational and people outcomes
• Gain exposure to employee relations, workforce planning and talent management processes
• Assist with HR reporting, record management and maintaining employee data
• Collaborate with leaders, supervisors and employees across site to support people-related activities
• Develop an understanding of employment legislation, HR policies and workplace compliance requirements
• Contribute to employee engagement, wellbeing and culture initiatives
• Build practical skills in communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving
• Contribute to projects that support continuous improvement across HR and site operations
What You'll Bring
We're looking for motivated students who are keen to learn and build a career in the resources sector.
You'll have:
• Current enrolment in a Bachelor of Human Resources, Psychology or a related discipline
• A genuine interest in HR and people management within the mining and resources industry
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities
• A strong commitment to safety, integrity and continuous improvement
Why Whitehaven?
At Whitehaven, we're committed to developing the next generation of mining professionals. Our Vacation Program is designed to provide meaningful, practical experience that complements your university studies while helping you explore future career opportunities.
Through the program, you'll benefit from:
• Real exposure to HR practices within a large-scale mining operation
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced HR professionals
• Structured development, regular feedback and ongoing support
• Opportunities to build industry knowledge and professional networks
• Meaningful project work that contributes to workforce and business outcomes
• Insight into graduate pathways and future career opportunities with Whitehaven
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're eager to gain hands-on experience, challenge yourself in a dynamic operational environment and kick-start your career in mining, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and build your future with Whitehaven.
Are you looking to gain real-world experience while completing your Human Resources (HR) degree? Whitehaven Coal is offering an exciting opportunity for a Vacation Student – Human Resources to join our team at Blackwater Mine, Central Queensland during the 2026/27 university summer break.
This structured 12-week paid vacation program provides invaluable exposure to site-based mining operations, allowing you to apply your studies in a practical environment while working alongside experienced industry professionals.
You'll gain hands-on experience, develop your professional capabilities, and build valuable industry connections, all while discovering what a future career with Whitehaven could look like.
Program Highlights
• 12-week site-based program (November 2026 – February 2027)
• Hands-on experience in an operational open cut coal mine
• Camp accommodation provided for the duration of the program
• Mentoring and support from experienced HR professionals
• Exposure to contemporary people management practices, workforce planning and employee engagement initiatives
• Opportunity to build your professional network and industry knowledge
What You’ll Do
As a Vacation Student in Human Resources, you'll work closely with our site HR team and gain exposure to a broad range of activities that support a safe and productive mining operation with a high-performing and engaged workforce.
You will:
• Assist with a variety of HR activities across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee engagement and workforce support
• Support HR projects and initiatives that contribute to operational and people outcomes
• Gain exposure to employee relations, workforce planning and talent management processes
• Assist with HR reporting, record management and maintaining employee data
• Collaborate with leaders, supervisors and employees across site to support people-related activities
• Develop an understanding of employment legislation, HR policies and workplace compliance requirements
• Contribute to employee engagement, wellbeing and culture initiatives
• Build practical skills in communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving
• Contribute to projects that support continuous improvement across HR and site operations
What You'll Bring
We're looking for motivated students who are keen to learn and build a career in the resources sector.
You'll have:
• Current enrolment in a Bachelor of Human Resources, Psychology or a related discipline
• A genuine interest in HR and people management within the mining and resources industry
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities
• A strong commitment to safety, integrity and continuous improvement
Why Whitehaven?
At Whitehaven, we're committed to developing the next generation of mining professionals. Our Vacation Program is designed to provide meaningful, practical experience that complements your university studies while helping you explore future career opportunities.
Through the program, you'll benefit from:
• Real exposure to HR practices within a large-scale mining operation
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced HR professionals
• Structured development, regular feedback and ongoing support
• Opportunities to build industry knowledge and professional networks
• Meaningful project work that contributes to workforce and business outcomes
• Insight into graduate pathways and future career opportunities with Whitehaven
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're eager to gain hands-on experience, challenge yourself in a dynamic operational environment and kick-start your career in mining, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and build your future with Whitehaven.
