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The good, the bad and the brilliant

Oct 16, 2025 | Graduate Programs

Group of workplace graduates sitting in a common area discussing a work scenario

The good, the bad and the brilliant

Insights from designing graduate programs that work

Over the years we’ve seen graduate programs evolve from well-intentioned onboarding schemes into sophisticated development pathways that shape the future of work. Yet despite all that progress, too many programs still fail to deliver what both organisations and graduates need most – learning that’s applied and builds real capability in the workplace.

For today’s early-career professionals, learning isn’t a checkbox at the start of a career, it’s a lifelong pursuit. Generation Z expect continuous development, meaningful connection and the chance to apply what they learn in real time. For organisations the challenge is keeping pace with that expectation while managing the practical realities of scale, time and resources.

“Graduates don’t want to be spectators in their own development. They want to see that what they’re learning has a direct link to the work they do and that it makes them more capable, confident and connected.”

Craig Crowther
CEO, Cahoot Learning

At Cahoot Learning we’ve designed, delivered and refined graduate programs across government, enterprise and education. We’ve seen what makes them great, where they often go wrong and what it takes to make them truly brilliant.

What successful graduate programs get right

When done well, graduate programs become far more than a rite of passage, they’re a powerful mechanism for building capability, culture and connection across the organisation.

The best programs share a few defining traits.

A clear purpose beyond induction

The strongest programs start with intent. They don’t exist just to “get graduates up to speed” but to build long-term capability aligned with organisational strategy. They identify what great performance looks like and design learning experiences that get graduates there faster.

Cohort connection as the foundation

Social learning is the heartbeat of any successful program. Graduates learn best when they learn together, sharing experiences, challenges and insights. Structured cohorts create accountability and belonging, ensuring graduates stay engaged long after the induction phase ends.

Structured, progressive development

Rather than stand-alone workshops, effective programs build capability step-by-step. Graduates progress through a carefully scaffolded learning journey, one that integrates micro-learning, live sessions and reflection activities turning theory into practical applications.

Relevance and real-world application

Great programs keep learning grounded in day-to-day context. Graduates connect what they’re learning to real projects, building confidence and competence simultaneously. This “learn and apply” rhythm accelerates growth and embeds knowledge in the flow of work.

A culture that values learning

Perhaps most importantly, the best programs are embedded in a culture that celebrates continuous development. Graduates see leaders modelling curiosity, seeking feedback and sharing what they’ve learned, signalling that growth is not a phase but a mindset.
Young male professional at desk in front of laptop seeming to be frustrated with work

No metrics for success

Without clear measures of engagement, capability growth or impact, it’s hard to prove value or secure future investment.

Too much administrative lift

Many Learning & Development teams spend more time coordinating logistics than supporting learners. That energy is better spent on mentoring, culture and leadership.

Common pitfalls and missteps

For every great program there are others that begin with promise but lose impact along the way. Often, it’s not due to lack of effort but to structural gaps or unrealistic expectations.

Learning without connection

Graduates are often placed in isolated online learning experiences, disconnected from peers or mentors. Without social reinforcement or accountability, engagement drops and so does retention.

Content overload, limited application

Packing too much into too little time is a common mistake. Graduates may attend sessions but rarely have time to practise what they’ve learned before moving to the next topic.

Lack of clarity or consistency

Programs that vary by department or facilitator create confusion. Without consistent objectives or feedback loops, graduates don’t know how to measure progress.
 

“The biggest gap we see isn’t enthusiasm, it’s structure. Most graduate programs start strong but fade because they don’t build in connection, accountability and momentum.”

Craig Crowther
CEO, Cahoot Learning

What the best programs do differently

The most successful graduate programs are adaptive, connected and sustainable. They balance structure with flexibility and deliver learning that feels relevant from day one.

Always-on, not one-off

Great programs create a rhythm of learning that lasts the entire graduate year not just during induction. Graduates engage in cycles of learning, reflection and application that sustain growth.

Graduate-centred

Designed to prioritise what your graduates need to be successful, not what your system and admin capacity/capability can manage. This leads to a more purposeful curriculum, connected and engaged graduates with each other and the organisation.

Collaborative cohorts

Cohort-based social learning transforms passive consumption into active collaboration. Graduates build networks that last well beyond the program, strengthening both engagement and retention.

Integrated feedback and analytics

Data is used not just to measure completion, but to inform iteration. Real-time analytics help program leaders refine content, adjust pacing and celebrate success.

Modular flexibility

Modern programs mix and match content, embedding an organisation’s own material, proven modules or co-designed experiences that reflect its unique culture, values and priorities.

Key takeaways & what to look for

Programs are purposeful, connected and structured

Social learning structures are at the program's core

Build confidence, capability and belonging

Engage graduates socially not just digitally

Deliver measurable outcomes with manageable effort

Bringing it all together

Graduate programs are one of the most powerful ways to shape the next generation of talent but only when designed with clarity, connection and capability in mind.

“We’ve learned that brilliance comes from balance between structure and flexibility, ambition and simplicity, social learning and application. When those elements align, graduates don’t just complete a program they transform how they contribute.”

Craig Crowther
CEO, Cahoot Learning

After years of experience one thing is clear, when graduates are set up to succeed the entire organisation moves forward with them.

If you would like to learn more or explore how Cahoot Learning can support your graduate program please get in contact.

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