Grads, interns and cadets

FAQ GRADUATE PROGRAMME AND INTERNSHIPS

Am I the right fit for Auckland Council?

As an organisation we support a diverse and vibrant city; each year, we look for a diverse selection of graduates and interns that reflect our region’s population.

Specifically, you will:

• Be driven and passionate, care about our city and improving the lives of our diverse communities
• Want to share your thinking, solve problems and work through challenges as well as finding ways we can improve what we do
• Be able to draw on your life experience – which could include formal work experience, leadership in a sporting capacity and volunteer positions right through to responsibility for caring for a relative
• Be aware of and understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Ao Māori and its relevance today
• Work well with others and have great written and verbal communication skills
• Want to be involved with your community

Which programme am I eligible for?

Both the Graduate and Internship Programmes are open to students completing a Bachelor’s undergraduate or Master’s degree.

• Graduate Programme – you must be in your last year of study or have graduated in the last 2-years.
• Internship Programme – you must be in your penultimate year of study.

What are your application dates?

Positions will go live as we are ready. Any open positions for Graduates and Interns will be posted on this page.

Alternatively, you can fill out the Expression of Interest page on our Prosple page outside of recruiting season.

How will I know if I've been successful?

There is a process for each programme and as you move through each stage the team will be in touch with regular updates.

If you are successful for one of the highly coveted spots on our programmes, you’ll receive a verbal offer, followed by a formal online offer.

I am an international student. Am I still eligible to apply?

We accept applications from all students however you must be eligible to work in full time employment in New Zealand during the graduate or internship programme dates or be eligible to apply for a post study visa.

For more information on this please visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

Does Auckland Council support my ongoing education/development?

Absolutely – we have a team who not only support you through your professional qualifications but through your own professional development as well.

Many professional and personal development options are available to you as part of your programme.

Does Auckland Council support professional memberships/accreditations?

We hold several professional memberships and accreditations across Auckland Council.

Depending on what is required to perform the role and for your professional development this can vary – make sure you ask this question if you progress through the selection process.

I have a special requirement(s), who should I contact?

Auckland Council is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

I am currently working for Auckland Council and am interested in one of the Graduate and Intern roles. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! Please note that you will still need to apply online, and your application will be considered via the selection process.

As an internal candidate, you will need to apply through our Tupu Careers Portal for any Graduate opportunities.

How long will I be on the programme?

• Intern Programme: Successful candidates who secure an internship position will be offered a fixed-term employment contract for three months (November to February).
• Graduate Programme: Successful candidates accepted into the Graduate Programme will be offered permanent employment contracts. You will engage in an accelerated learning, rotational programme. Following this period, you will collaborate with the Early Talent team, along with your Graduate Liaison Officer to facilitate your transition into a role within Auckland Council Group.

How many rotations will I have on the Graduate Programme?

You’ll have anywhere from four and above rotations, depending on what programme you are on.

How many rotations will I have on the Internship Programme?

As our Internship Programme is only for three months, you will be concentrating your time in one particular focus.

How do I prepare for a video interview

Video interviews are a fantastic way for you to showcase your passion and enthusiasm for the role you have applied to.

We recommend finding a well-lit and quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

You’ll get a chance to practice recording a video response before answering the interview questions.

Technical and accessibility support is available around the clock to ensure it’s simple and easy for you to complete. 

If your application is progressed, you’ll receive an email advising you of the video interview format and topics we’ll cover, so that you can prepare beforehand.

Do Auckland Council offer flexible or remote working?

We strive to support the whole person at work. The majority of our roles offer hybrid working opportunities. This means that teams will have set days and/or times when they are co-located. We will discuss specific work arrangements and locations with you dependent on the type of role you have applied for. Some roles have quite specific requirements to be onsite with customers. All of our graduate and intern roles require some time working in one of our offices each week.