Turning international graduates into industry leaders

Regional organisations can struggle to attract the right talent, especially in specialised fields like engineering. Coliban Water, however, has found a solution through its partnership with La Trobe University. By leveraging La Trobe’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program and its own graduate program, Coliban Water is bringing in highly trained, job-ready graduates.

Bendigo-based Coliban Water provides water and sewage services to 49 towns across 16,500 square kilometres. Managing such vast infrastructure relies on a large team of skilled professionals, and the partnership with La Trobe helps build a strong talent pipeline of graduates eager to apply their expertise.

Training and supporting the next generation

Through La Trobe’s WIL program, students undertake six-month placements at Coliban Water, gaining hands-on experience in planning, development and project implementation. Coliban Water has provided opportunities for students in the WIL program over the last 15 years, and many participants go on to join the graduate program or secure full-time roles within the organisation.

It’s a combination that has proven successful for hiring international graduates, who bring fresh perspectives and ideas along with highly developed technical skills.

“We’ve found that the international graduates who join us through these programs are highly motivated to establish themselves in their careers,” says Kristen Swann, Senior People and Capability Business Partner at Coliban Water.

“They’re innovative, passionate, and eager to contribute their own ideas for how we can do things better.”

Big projects, big opportunities for impact

Graduates can work on large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects with long-term impact. “Some of our projects will support our community for 20 to 30 years,” says Patrick Egan, Senior People and Capability Business Partner at Coliban Water.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for new employees to learn alongside people who have been with us for many years, contribute to those projects, and have a real legacy to look back on in their careers.”

Ranjith Muniraju is one of those graduates. He studied civil engineering at La Trobe and participated in the WIL program at Coliban Water, where he says the support and training he received helped set him up for success.

“They trusted me, gave me responsibilities, and treated me like a valued team member from day one. That built my confidence,” he says.

Muniraju is now four years into his career at Coliban Water, starting as a Project Engineer before being promoted to Project Manager. He thrives on the job’s variety and customer impact. “Every day is different, and when customers appreciate our work, it pushes me to be my best.”

Building stronger regional communities

Having a diverse team helps Coliban Water better serve its community. International graduates bring not just technical skills but also cultural insights that improve customer interactions.

Plus, by living and working in Bendigo, they support local businesses, boost the economy and help the region grow.

“Many international graduates settle here with their families, who bring their own specialised skills and cultural richness to the community,” Swann says.

“The impact goes beyond the workplace. It helps our whole region grow.”

For Muniraju, Bendigo’s calm and welcoming environment has made it the perfect place to build a career. “It’s quieter than the big cities, and the countryside is beautiful.”

Coliban Water’s success shows that hiring international graduates isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about investing in the future. Through the WIL and graduate programs, young professionals launch their careers while strengthening the organisation and contributing to Australia’s water industry.

“Our international graduates are a huge asset. They bring so much energy to the workplace, and we’re excited to see how they help shape Coliban Water’s future,” Swann says.