OUR COMPANY
Create a brighter future with one of the largest energy companies in the world!
We depend on energy-it fuels our lives and our business. BP explores, produces, refines, markets, trades and distributes energy to the world. Wherever new frontiers are, BP is there too. We listen to new ideas every day, hoping that one will take us beyond the limits of what we know. And we do it all in order to provide heat, light and power for people right around the world. Energy is not only what we sell, it is what we offer the world and what we are looking for in our vacation students!
OUR PEOPLE
The most important form of energy comes from our people. This summer, you could be working at BP, one of the largest energy companies in the world, with leaders who believe in the power of their people and in a culture that values respect, diversity, opportunity and shared success. Our team of more than 80,000 people in more than 90 countries work together collaboratively and responsibly to make a difference to the world.
OUR VALUES AND ETHICS
BP values the world we live in and believes in building sustainable initiatives in order to help our society. From finding and developing alternative forms of energy, to our many indigenous initiatives such as our Reconciliation Action Plan, BP ensures that we make an active and positive impact in our local and global community. One of our main projects was the OPAL project:
DEDICATION TO DIVERSITY
BP promotes and celebrates diversity. A company with such diverse operations needs diverse people. It’s through the strengths and talents of different people that we'll be able to meet the world's growing demand for energy. As an organisation, we believe that by valuing the differences among us we establish a platform for creativity, innovation and problem solving. We’re committed to a culture of diversity. It helps us attract, develop and retain the best talent – regardless of background, age or gender.
BP has been awarded a citation as an Employer of Choice for Women, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some stories from our successful female graduates:
Melissa Nguyen-Project Manager
“BP has provided me with an amazing opportunity to have a role where you can really make a difference…The best thing though? The people I have worked with are real, genuine examples of leadership in action. This is something I aspire to as I continue to develop as a BP leader.”
Genevieve Thomson-Engineer
Genevieve began her career with BP in 2007 in the Bulwer Island Refinery, and has won BP’s Rising Star award. This prestigious award is open to young engineers at BP and seeks someone who is in the early stage of their engineering career and has made an exceptional engineering contribution to BP, as Genevieve did.

THE VACATION PROGRAM
Developing You
Imagine the possibilities, support and development opportunities you will get at BP, one of the largest companies in the world! Whether you want to be a business leader or world class specialist, our 12 week structured Vacation Program will set your career up for success. The BP Vacation Program is an opportunity to learn about our global organisation, our commitment to our people and about the energy challenges we face.
As part of the BP Vacation Program you will have exposure to:
- Meaningful projects
- Networking opportunities
- Valuable, hands on work experience
- World class exposure
- Valuable coaching
- Real-time, professional feedback
- Career possibilities
- Competitive salaries and benefits.
We offer you a real job or project to give you the foundation you are looking for to build your career with a global energy industry leader. The greatest aspect of working at BP is the opportunity we offer our people to learn, grow and contribute. You’ll aim to build a career, increase your knowledge and add to your skills. Your experience will reflect the scope of the opportunities we can offer. And, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference not only to your career, but to the world.
ENGINEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Our Vacation Program provides the opportunity to work in our world class refineries that will ensure you become a specialist in your field!
At our refineries at Kwinana (Perth) and Bulwer (Brisbane) or in our Melbourne Corporate Offices, you will have the support of working in a well known global energy business. We have a commitment to business innovation which means you will be able to use leading edge technology and equipment. Our refineries house excellent technology and access to world experts, all the while offering outstanding learning, development and training opportunities, and real jobs with real accountability.
So if you have an environmental, engineering or science related degree, our refineries are the places for you! We generally have opportunities in the following areas:
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Environmental Scientists & Engineers
- Chemistry (Perth only)
- Instrumentation, Control and Electrical Engineering
APPLY NOW
So if you are in your penultimate year of study, this program is a great way to get some real professional work experience. We are looking for people who are open to new possibilities, new technologies and new thinking. People like you!
To be eligible, you must:
- Be in your penultimate year of study (ideally)
- Hold a relevant discipline capability and degree type
- Have a strong academic record (GPA of 65% or more)
- Be a current Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Be mobile and flexible to relocate within Australia if required
Degree/Disciplines
We’re looking for outstanding vacation students from a range of disciplines including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Environmental engineering and science
- Instrumentation, Control and Electrical Engineering
Position locations
These opportunities are located in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne (corporate office). The BP Vacation Program runs over summer from late November 2012 to February 2013.
To apply, please visit www.bp.com/ausgrads. Applications open on Monday 9th July and close on Friday 10th August 2012.
BP PEOPLE
Hear from some of our employees about their career changing experiences with BP
Brie - Engineer
I applied for vacation work at the BP Kwinana Refinery as I wanted to start my career working in a hands-on role on site at a processing plant, while still being able to have a city lifestyle. I absolutely loved it – there was always something exciting going on, never a shortage of work to be done and therefore never a dull moment. The atmosphere was fun yet focussed. My experience on vacation work convinced me that BP was where I wanted to start out.
The Refinery has friendly, interesting people from a variety of backgrounds, and many diverse characters. The main thing I have learnt since I started work is how to deal with different types of people and how important effective teamwork and communication is, even in a technical role. I can’t believe in such a short time I was in a position where experienced people actually asked for and listened to my opinion, and key activities relied on my actions.
Jeff - Engineer
With the opportunity of practical on-site experience with an oil and gas major and still living in Perth, BP had me hooked! BP offered a chance to work for an international company with a solid professional and ethical reputation and to develop myself as a professional engineer.
With BP, you can shape your career and get chances to work in areas you never thought you would, it’s your decision as to what you want to do. I’d recommend BP to any student or graduate, it will certainly get your career on the move.
Charlotte - Chemistry
I was fortunate enough to take a placement at BP Refinery (Bulwer Island) Laboratory. I performed testing on finished products, method introduction and reviews, liaised with stakeholders, small projects and gave me an overall understanding of what is required to run and be a part of a quality laboratory.
My advice for the students is to take up the opportunity to get work placement before you finish your degree, as this will be a definite help when you are looking for jobs. BP is a great company to work for. They are continually looking out for you and your development and trying to progress you through the company.



