Six recent graduates reflect on their first year in REMONDIS Australia's Graduate Program

One of the ways we welcome talent into our operations is via our Graduate Program, in which we invite recent graduates to join us for a two-year program of professional development performing hands-on operational roles within the depots and facilities we operate, with immediate, purposeful impact.

The six graduates from our 2024-2025 cohort are gaining valuable hands-on experience across a variety of roles, contributing meaningfully to the business. Our current Graduates have now clocked up 12 months and took some time out to reflect on the experiences that have stood out in a memorable year. Graduate Mohit Khanna compiled this article.

Marcel Ugochukwu (NSW): One of the most rewarding experiences in my Graduate Program has been working on the food organics project at one of our major sites.

The project has evolved significantly, transitioning from a compactor-based system to a depackaging machine that separates food waste into packaging, liquid, and organic fractions. Initially, the design involved tipping food waste into the depacker via a chute. However, due to space constraints, the layout was revised to feature a bunded tipping area, where an excavator with a grab handle transfers waste into the depacker. This new design has been deemed the most practical.

The REMONDIS static model has confirmed the project’s viability, and the technical team is working towards its approval. Spearheading this project has allowed me to apply my technical expertise in designing an effective and widely accepted layout. It has been a valuable learning experience that has strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of waste management solutions. I am grateful to Conan Hookings (then Acting GM NSW) for giving me the opportunity to lead and contribute to such an impactful initiative.  

Harrison Edwards (QLD): I’ve had many interesting experiences as part of this program, from working on tenders and attending industry events to supporting the Rocklea development currently underway. However, my most notable experience was when my state GM sent me to regional Queensland last year to conduct market research. I spent a week following trucks around at 4 am performing bin audits, and scouting real estate. I lost count of how many kilometres I put on that poor little Corolla I was driving! It was a wild week that forced me out of my comfort zone and truly tested my ability to think on my feet.

It helped me appreciate just how much work goes into understanding our operational and market context. I also had the chance to work with teams from head office and Rocklea, learning a great deal from a bunch of really smart people.

I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust leadership had in me, as well as the results I achieved. Experiences like this are what make graduate programs so valuable. For me, it signifies that my input is important, and my work has real-world implications—just like the company motto.

Baiyi Chen (VIC): One of the most fascinating experiences I’ve had during the Graduate Program at REMONDIS was my involvement in the project to convert one of our waste streams into a recovered oil product. In 2024, I was assigned to conduct heating experiments to determine the optimal temperature, additives, and equipment for the process. This hands-on role involved analysing data, presenting results, and providing insights that directly influenced decision-making. The project, which converts waste into a valuable resource, is not only financially beneficial but also aligns with our sustainability goals. The recovered oil is sold to oil refineries, playing a key role in biodiesel production and contributing to a circular economy.

I find it rewarding to be part of a team that reduces waste and creates opportunities for cleaner energy. Currently in the implementation phase, I’m excited to see our efforts come to life. This experience has deepened my passion for sustainability and innovation, and I’m proud to contribute to initiatives that make a real difference.

Ricardo Fernandez Sanchez (NSW): Having exposure to the insights of the waste industry business has been the main strength of the Graduate Program, but I must highlight how beneficial, for my own work experience, is being involved in projects for the organics facilities in Newcastle/Hunter Valley Region. The organics processing is a completely different story compared to other waste streams. I’m glad to be working on projects that includes planning, operating, council compliances, and business proposal for this region, which has a big potential development future in this field. I must say I’ve found a place where I can combine my personal knowledge, and knowledge acquired in REMONDIS.