Glencore Technology’s Graduate Program Launches Future Metallurgists
Brisbane, Australia
Glencore Technology’s graduate program offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world projects—helping students like Lilly Van Gilst transition confidently from university to industry.
Lilly is now a Graduate Metallurgist at Glencore Technology in Brisbane, Australia, where her journey began through the company’s Future Minerals Professionals Program. She has quickly found confidence thanks to GT’s supportive environment, wide project exposure, and strong focus on practical, hands-on learning.
Within her first six-months, she has already stepped beyond the office, visiting Alkane Resources' Tomingley Gold Operations to support process optimisation and maintenance of their M5000 IsaMill™—an experience she describes as a highlight of her role so far.
“Getting to visit a site so early in the grad program was incredibly valuable—the learning really deepens when you’re out there doing the practical work. I even had the chance to train one of the operations crews on our IsaMill™ technology.”
Lilly began university with a broad engineering degree, open to the many pathways available. As she transitioned into a chemical engineering major, she took on a casual lab role with UQ’s Pyrometallurgy Innovation Group, gaining valuable hands-on experience and a growing appreciation for the metallurgical industry. While coordinating a metallurgy major night for students, she met Glencore Technology’s Director of Technologies, Stanko Nikolic. His presentation—and evident passion for the work—inspired her to explore opportunities with the company.
After completing a three-month vacation placement at Glencore’s Mount Isa operations—where she worked across lead and copper concentrators and flotation labs—Lilly was recommended for a part-time role at Glencore Technology. She joined the Future Minerals Professionals Program, working one to two days per week during her studies, and transitioned into a full-time graduate role upon completing her degree in 2024.
“I chose Glencore Technology because of the culture—I felt like I could genuinely fit in, even from our brief interactions at student nights. I liked the mix of office and site work, but what really stood out was how supportive everyone was, especially during tough times while I was still studying.”
Lilly encourages current students to make the most of their university years by saying yes to diverse opportunities, gaining experience in different workplaces, and applying for mentorship programs to grow their industry connections. Her journey is a testament to Glencore Technology’s commitment to developing the next generation of metallurgists—offering real-world experience, mentorship, and support that helped turn her early interest into a thriving career.
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Glencore Technology is a provider of innovative solutions for the global mining industry, including industry leading technologies such as IsaMill™, Jameson Cell, IsaKidd™, Albion Process™ and IsaSmelt™ and more.