For Talent and Early Careers Partner Hayley Crichton, who coordinates Hydro Tasmania’s graduate program, February and March are busy but very exciting months. 

The 2027 graduate campaign has just launched, with applications open until 30 March. Meanwhile, the 2026 cohort are finding their feet after three weeks of introductions, orientation and training.

There’s even more to celebrate this year, with the announcement that Hydro Tasmania’s graduate program has been ranked 10th in Australia by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE).

“This recognition means so much,” says Hayley, “because it reflects the experiences and feedback from our graduates themselves. It’s grounded in their voices, their growth and their journeys.”

“We're committed to setting our graduates up for long-term success. What we can offer them in their early roles will help set them up for their careers.”

This year, Hydro Tasmania has welcomed 17 new graduates into electrical, mechanical and civil engineering roles as well as an ‘analyst’ stream drawing grads from disciplines including environment, information technology, human resources and finance.

Over the program, grads complete a number of rotations, gaining exposure to different parts of the business while discovering where their strengths and interests align. 

Hayley says “I’m incredibly proud of the program we’ve built, and I can’t wait to welcome the next generation of talent to grow their careers with us while shaping Tasmania’s clean energy future. If you know someone who is ready to take the next step in their career, now’s the time.”

A great opportunity in a special place

For many applicants, the appeal of Hydro Tasmania extends beyond the roles. It’s also about living and working in a special and spectacular place. Around half of this year’s intake have relocated from interstate – drawn by the opportunity to build a meaningful career while enjoying Tasmania’s natural beauty, attractive lifestyle and outdoor activities. 

For Laura Hobbs, it’s about contributing to the stewardship of waterways and environments. 

She’s moved to Tasmania from Australia’s coldest town: Cooma in the Snowy Mountains. As a graduate environmental analyst, she’s eager to work with Australia’s largest water manager while also exploring Tasmania’s all-year wonders. As a keen hiker, diver and road tripper, she’s finding Tasmania is “bringing all my interests together in the best possible way”.

For Lachy Corrie, it’s the rare combination of meaningful graduate work and a lifestyle that feels sustainable.

The graduate commercial analyst has arrived from Brisbane after studying computer science, drawn to Tassie by lifestyle as well as professional opportunity. 
 

“Coming to Tasmania rather than working in big cities was a very considered and intentional change,” he says. “It’s rare to have such a great employer and graduate opportunity in a place with such a pleasant way of life, and it’s made all the difference.”
 

For Eddy Calvert, it’s about working on assets that integrate with the landscapes he spends his free time exploring.

The graduate mechanical engineer is a Hobart local. Passionate about Tassie’s wild places and outdoor activities, Eddy is determined to build a long, satisfying and meaningful career without leaving the state – making Hydro Tasmania a natural choice. 

He’s relishing the shift from textbooks to turbines, translating theory into hands-on experience – including the chance to spend time tuning up power stations on the rugged and remote West Coast, an area he’s long been fascinated by.

Variety, purpose and impact

Lachy quickly recognised that the graduate program would extend his learning well beyond his degree.

“I was surprised by the breadth of opportunity available to me over the two years. I really am in charge of my development and I’ve been empowered to make the program what I want it to be,” he says. 

He’s also been blown away by the scale and complexity of Hydro Tasmania’s operations. 
 

“I didn’t realise how much goes into making all our energy generation happen. We have custom-built in-house software and a huge breadth of data that feeds a similarly huge range of models, all coordinated like an orchestra to keep the power flowing. It’s something people probably don’t think about when they look at a dam!”
 

Laura is equally excited by the diversity of work she’ll encounter, from aquatic programs to industrial and construction environments, remote monitoring, consulting and more. 

She appreciates the great purpose and responsibility of the work for Tasmanian communities, environment and heritage.
 

“The chance to work within such a significant, historically rich system which is deeply embedded in communities across the state is something I find incredibly interesting.”

 (Grads Vani, Aakriti, Laura and Lachy)

Top tips for wanna-be grads

For Laura, the key to applying is to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. 

“You don’t need to know everything. What matters is being yourself and showing up ready to get involved.”
 
Eddy agrees: “Put yourself out there and give the application process your best go. If you’ve got something that you think aligns with the work that Hydro Tasmania does, try to leverage that to show the assessors what you can bring.”
 

A program worthy of the top 10

The grads are united in praise for the program.

“I've been supported far beyond what I would have expected,” says Lachy. “Being part of a close-knit team, staying connected with grads across different cohorts, and having so many resources available have all helped so much with the transition.”

He says that the human touches in the recruitment process, even as simple as a phone call, made him feel recognised and valued.

“Very few other companies gave me that feeling. It really hinted at the culture here.”

Eddy’s also having a very positive experience.
 
“Everyone is super-friendly, helpful and willing to go out of their way to show me what they’re doing and explain the work that they do on a day-to-day basis. It’s helping me learn quickly and I’m already feeling part of the team.”
 

Ready to bring your spark?

If Eddy, Laura and Lachy’s experiences have piqued your curiosity, check out our graduate program. You never know where it might take you! 

Recruitment for 2027 closes 30 March 2026. 

For more stories about our current and previous grads, read about Eleanor, Amber, Emily, Marshall, Aloka, Jack and Maria.