Gap Year Pathway

Finish school. Explore your future. Start your career with Port of Newcastle.

A unique 12-month paid opportunity for Year 12 school leavers to gain real workplace experience, complete a nationally recognised qualification, and discover a range of career pathways across one of Australia’s most important ports.

Start your career journey at Port of Newcastle

At Port of Newcastle, we believe in investing in future talent and creating meaningful career opportunities and pathways for young people in the Newcastle and Hunter region.

The Gap Year Pathway is the entry point in our broader Port Futures Program, designed to help school leavers gain real workplace experience, explore career options, and build practical skills before committing to their next step in their career journey.

Over 12 months, participants are employed in a structured program that combines hands-on workplace experience, rotations across different business areas, formal development support, and a paid TAFE tertiary qualification.

At the end of the program, participants may have the opportunity to explore progression into the Port of Newcastle’s Cadet Pathway, where opportunities are available.

How the Port Gap Year Pathway works

The Gap Year Pathway is a full-time, 12-month program designed to combine workplace experience with structured learning and development.

You’ll work 38 hours per week as a Port of Newcastle employee
You’ll spend four days per week on-site gaining practical experience
You’ll receive one paid study day each week, while you attend TAFE NSW to complete a Certificate III in Business.
You’ll receive ongoing mentoring and support, including quarterly development check-ins.
You’ll take part in structured rotations across different business areas, helping you understand how the port operates and where your interests may lie.

What you’ll gain

The Gap Year Pathway is designed to give you more than just work experience. It’s about building confidence, capability and clarity about your future.

Through the program, you will:

Gain real-world experience in a professional environment
Build practical workplace skills and confidence
Explore a wide range of career pathways
Complete a nationally recognised TAFE qualification
Develop connections in the maritime industry
Receive structured feedback and support throughout the year
Graduate with a formal testimonial and reference from Port of Newcastle

At the end of the program, you may have the opportunity to explore progression into further pathways at Port of Newcastle, including the Cadet Program, where available.

Support every step of the way

From day one, the program begins with induction and orientation, including a site tour and introduction to Port of Newcastle, before moving into rotations, learning, and ongoing development throughout the year.

Throughout the program, you’ll receive practical guidance and encouragement, including:

Regular guidance from your Program Coordinator and managers
Quarterly check-ins to reflect on your progress and development
Support to help you build confidence and succeed in the workplace
A safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment

The program concludes with a wrap-up and reflection phase focused on your growth, achievements, and future career pathways.

Learning through every rotation

Each structured rotation offers new challenges, insights, and opportunities to grow your skills in a real-world environment.

Click below to discover some of the exciting areas you’ll explore during your Gap Year Pathway.

Dredge & Marine Operations

Learn how the port operates on the water and the role of vessels and crews.

Vessel Operations

Explore tug operations, mooring, and maritime pathways.

People & Culture

Learn how organisations attract, develop, and support people.

ESG & Sustainability

Gain insight into clean energy, sustainability, and community impact.

Safety, Health & Environment

Understand safety systems and environmental management.

Finance

Understand budgeting, reporting, and commercial decision-making.

Legal & Governance

Explore contracts, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.

IT & Cyber Security

Learn how technology supports a critical infrastructure environment.

Projects & Infrastructure

See how major infrastructure projects are delivered.

Elective Rotation

Revisit an area of interest or explore something new.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for school leavers who are ready to learn, grow, and give things a go.

You don’t need to have everything figured out, we’re more interested in your attitude than your experience.

You’ll stand out if you can demonstrate:

Curiosity and a willingness to learn
Motivation and enthusiasm
Resilience and a positive mindset
Confidence to try new things and share your ideas

We value fresh perspectives and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Eligibility

To apply for our Gap Year Pathway, you must:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) within the past 12 months
Be at least 18 years old when the program starts (in January 2027)
Be available to commit to the full 12-month program
Be committed to completing a TAFE qualification alongside the program

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Port of Newcastle welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognise that different perspectives strengthen our organisation and create better outcomes for our people and community.

We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people of all gender identities. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair and accessible to all candidates.

Application and selection process

We are currently inviting expressions of interest from students who would like to be considered when applications open.

By registering your interest, you’ll:

Be the first to know when applications go live
Receive updates about the program
Stay connected with Port of Newcastle early careers opportunities

Applications open in September 2026

When applications open, you’ll need to complete an online application form. This is where you’ll get the chance to tell us about yourself.

If you’re successful, you’ll progress to an in-person engagement centre, interview and online assessment.

Take the first step

Scan the QR code to register your interest for our 2027 Gap Year Pathway, or complete the form HERE.

See our Privacy Statement for information on how Port of Newcastle collects information.