Yarra Valley Water invites students to kickstart their careers on its 2025/26 Vacation Program
The 2025/26 Vacation Program runs from November to February and offers placements across engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil and environmental), data science, business administration and project management.
Yarra Valley Water Programs Lead Laura Barstow said the program gives hands-on experience of real-world issues and the chance to make a real impact.
“Working in the water sector means shaping the future as we face challenges like climate change, population growth and renewing infrastructure. Our Vacation Program puts students at the centre of this work with direct experience in problem solving,” she said.
“Students get to see how technical skills, creativity and teamwork come together to deliver positive community outcomes and they leave us knowing they’ve contributed to something meaningful.”
Yarra Valley Water Project Manager Ry Parrott joined the Vacation Program twice during his university course and said the experience had a major influence on his studies and career path.
“Getting that first-hand experience really inspired me, as it helped me understand the practical applications of what I was studying and how I could make a difference,” he said
“It also showed me just how rewarding working in the water industry could be and shaped my subject choices to help with a career in the water industry.”
Throughout the program, participating students receive support from a range of people and build lasting connections with mentors, peers, program alumni and wider staff.
To be eligible, students must be legally able to work in Australia and available to work full time at Yarra Valley Water’s Mitcham office over the summer university break.
Applications for Yarra Valley Water’s 2025/26 Vacation Program are open from Thursday 21 August to Friday 5 September.
Students can apply by heading to: https://www.yvw.com.au/VacationProgram