Glencore has officially opened applications for its 2027 Graduate Programmes in Johannesburg, offering ambitious graduates an opportunity to launch their careers with one of the world’s leading natural resource companies. The programmes provide structured training, professional mentorship, rotational workplace experience and direct exposure to global business operations.
Applications are open for both the Commercial Graduate Programme and the HR Services Graduate Programme, with successful candidates joining Glencore’s Melrose office in Johannesburg. Graduates will gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry experts and develop technical and leadership skills in a dynamic international environment.
Glencore Graduate Programme 2027 Overview
| Programme: Commercial Graduate Programme and HR Services Graduate Programme
| Employer: Glencore
| Placement: Melrose, Johannesburg, Gauteng
| Employment Type: Full-Time
| Intake: 2027
| Best Before: 01 August 2026
| Job IDs: R200001648 and R200001649
About Glencore
Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, operating in more than 30 countries with over 140 000 employees and contractors. The company produces, markets, sources, recycles and distributes more than 60 commodities that support industries including automotive, energy, steel, battery manufacturing and oil.
Through its graduate programmes, Glencore develops future professionals by combining structured learning with practical workplace experience across international operations.
Available Graduate Programmes
Applications are currently open for:
- Commercial Graduate Programme
- HR Services Graduate Programme
Both programmes are based in Johannesburg and offer structured graduate development with opportunities to rotate across different business functions.
- Commercial Graduate Programme
Programme Overview
The Commercial Graduate Programme is designed for graduates who want to build careers within commodity trading and commercial operations. Graduates will gain exposure to Glencore’s commercial teams while taking on meaningful responsibilities from the beginning of the programme.
The programme combines practical learning with rotational opportunities that expose graduates to different commercial functions.
Areas of Exposure
Graduates may rotate through:
- Logistics
- Traffic
- Risk Management
- Middle Office
- LME Desk Support
- Business Development
These rotations help participants develop a broad understanding of commodity trading and commercial operations.
What Commercial Graduates Will Learn
Participants will gain experience in:
- Commercial operations
- Commodity trading support
- Risk management
- Business development
- Supply chain coordination
- Market analysis
- Financial processes
- Data analysis
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder engagement
Graduates will also develop resilience, commercial awareness and decision-making skills within a fast-paced business environment.
Commercial Graduate Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be currently completing or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Be available to start during 2027
- Have studied one of the following fields:
Preferred Study Areas
- STEM
- Finance
- Economics
- Related business or analytical disciplines
Desired Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Strong communication skills
- Analytical ability
- High attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
- Organisational skills
- Positive attitude
- Process improvement mindset
Applicants with experience using:
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Power BI
- Python
- Data analysis tools
Will have an added advantage.
- HR Services Graduate Programme
Programme Overview
The HR Services Graduate Programme is aimed at graduates who want to build careers in Human Resources within a global shared services environment. Successful graduates will join Glencore’s Global HR Hub in Johannesburg, supporting HR and Payroll operations for offices across multiple countries.
The programme includes structured learning, rotational opportunities and mentorship from experienced HR professionals.
What HR Graduates Will Gain
Graduates will receive exposure to:
- HR Services
- Global Payroll
- Shared Services Operations
- HR Administration
- Employee Experience
- International HR Operations
- HR Best Practices
- Business Operations
- Process Improvement
- Customer Service
Participants will rotate through different functions to gain a comprehensive understanding of global Human Resources operations.
Training and Development
Graduates will benefit from structured learning in areas including:
Technical Training
- Commodity Trading
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Traffic Operations
Professional Skills
- Networking
- Presentation Skills
- Public Speaking
- Professional Communication
- Leadership Development
Each graduate will also be assigned an experienced mentor who will provide guidance throughout the programme.
HR Graduate Requirements
Applicants should have recently completed or be completing:
- Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Related qualification
Ideal candidates should possess:
- Strong organisational skills
- Customer-focused mindset
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Professional communication skills
Why Join Glencore?
Graduates joining Glencore can expect:
- Full-time employment
- Structured graduate development
- Professional mentorship
- Internal rotations
- International business exposure
- Technical training
- Soft skills development
- Career growth opportunities
- Exposure to global commodity markets
- Networking with experienced professionals
Programme Placement
Both graduate programmes are based at:
- Melrose, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Application Process
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Qualification certificates
- South African ID or relevant identification
- Any additional documents requested during the online application process
Applicants may also be required to undergo background verification as part of the recruitment process.
Tips for a Strong Application
To maximise your chances of success:
- Keep your CV updated.
- Highlight leadership experience.
- Include university projects and achievements.
- Showcase analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Mention software skills such as Excel, Power BI or Python.
- Demonstrate teamwork and communication abilities.
- Apply before the closing date.
How to apply for Glencore Graduate Programme
- Follow the application portal provided below
- Attach supporting documents
- Complete all required fields
- Apply as instructed
- APPLY HERE FOR HR SERVICES GRADUATE PROGRAMME
- APPLY HERE FOR COMMERCIAL GRADUATE PROGRAMME
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the graduate programmes based?
- Both programmes are based in Melrose, Johannesburg.
When do applications close?
- Applications close on 01 August 2026.
Who can apply for the Commercial Graduate Programme?
- Students currently completing or recently graduated with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in STEM, Finance, Economics or related disciplines.
Who can apply for the HR Services Graduate Programme?
- Graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related qualification.
Will graduates receive mentorship?
- Yes. Every graduate is assigned an experienced mentor to support their professional development.
Are there rotational opportunities?
- Yes. Graduates rotate through different departments to gain broader business exposure.
