Frequently asked questions

When does the graduate program start?

Once you have been offered a starring role in our Graduate Program, the induction will commence in early February 2011, kicking off with an intensive induction program.

How many positions are available?

You’ll be joining the biggest graduate opening in Australian retail, offering over 100 positions Australia wide across our three graduate streams.

Am I eligible to apply?

There are a few criteria that you need to meet to be eligible for admission into the program. Most importantly, you must have completed your TAFE or university studies between 2008 and 2010. You also need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent residency.

Where are the positions based?

This depends on what stream of our Graduate Program you join. The Retail Operations stream has positions all over Australia, including regional areas. With this program you are based in a Coles supermarket within 45 minutes of your home. Our store support graduates are based in Melbourne, so if you need to relocate to join, this is at your own expense. The logistics roles are based in our Distribution Centres which are located in NSW, QLD, SA and WA.

What is the salary?

We believe it’s important to reward our people for their commitment and passion, so our Graduate salaries reflect that and are on-par with other leading graduate programs.

What skills/attributes is Coles looking for in its successful graduates?

We are looking for star performers who are passionate about retail and customer service, who have the drive and ambition to succeed, who are fast learners and who have aspirations to be a leader. We know you’re out there, our current graduates are testament to these qualities and an invaluable part of our business, bring fresh ideas to the table each day.

Are you guaranteed a position at the end of the program?

There are touch points during the program to discuss your development and progress, and provide you with clear feedback. Your line manager and mentor will work with you to ensure that you are meeting expectations and give you guidance in areas that you may need more assistance. To date we have had a 100% placement rate for graduates who have completed the program.

What is the culture like at Coles?

Retail is a fast paced and constantly evolving industry – change happens at a frantic pace and the customer always comes first. For these reasons, our culture rewards determination, enthusiasm and results-orientated individuals who are team players. There is of course lots of fun along the way – our people are approachable, collaborative and willing to share their knowledge. No day is ever the same and it’s an exciting opportunity for you to shine.

Which store would I be based in?

If you are part of the Retail Leaders program, we will try to place you in a store close to your home (no more than 45 minutes drive). This may not always be possible in remote locations. We also aim to place our graduates in our high performing stores to ensure that you have the best opportunity to succeed, learning from our best people.

Do you get exposure to other functions/areas of the business?

Our focus is on giving you all the skills you need to excel at Coles, and learning about all the facets of the business is an important part of this journey. As part of the graduate program you will be provided with an intensive induction program, senior mentoring from the business, participate in quarterly business focus days, attend an annual graduate forum and meet many people from across the business over the course of the program. This includes fellow graduates, regional managers and even our executive leadership team – you are front and centre in the business.