Top 5 Employers in Melbourne That Value Employee Development

A great workplace offers more than a good salary. Leading employers support their employees in building skills, gaining experience and reaching their potential. Many organisations in Melbourne actively promote employee development programs to help their staff grow their capabilities and progress in their career. 

If you’re looking for companies offering career advancement in Melbourne, this guide highlights five employers known for investing in ongoing training and long-term career success. 

TL;DR

From global banks to research agencies, these Melbourne organisations invest in training and programs that help staff gain skills, build confidence and access opportunities for advancement – all while creating workplaces that are more productive and better prepared for the future. 

Key Points: 

• Companies with standout programs include ANZ, KPMG, Toyota, CSIRO and NAB. 

• Initiatives include leadership training, mentoring opportunities, online courses, postgraduate study support and international secondments. 

• Supporting staff learning preserves knowledge, increases productivity, builds leadership pipelines and helps employers reduce costly turnover. 

Why employee development matters

Investing in employee development benefits both individuals and the organisations they work for. As an employee, having access to training and development helps you build the skills and confidence you need to take on new challenges and advance in your career. It also gives you a sense of purpose and progress, qualities that keep work engaging and rewarding. 

Workplaces that value training and internal progression also tend to benefit from higher productivity, better retention and a larger pool for future leaders. By contrast, companies that don’t provide this support risk losing talent and facing skill shortages. High employee turnover can cost businesses up to 1.5 times an employee’s annual salary when factoring in recruitment, training, loss of knowledge and productivity. 

Top Melbourne companies for professional development

1. ANZ

ANZ is one of Australia’s “Big Four” banks with its world headquarters located in Docklands, Melbourne. The bank offers job opportunities across retail, commercial and institutional banking, as well as in areas such engineering, technology, data and operations. With almost 70% of roles filled internally, ANZ has a strong culture of developing talent and supporting long-term careers. 

The standout career development program is LEAD@ANZ, an award-winning global program that equips team members with the skills and confidence to thrive in leadership roles. It’s designed around individual needs and includes practical resources to help leaders drive meaningful change. 

Employees can also take part in Specialist Skills Programs to build expertise, gain accreditations and step into new roles. Alongside this, the Our Way of Learning (OWL) platform and ANZ Academy provide self-guided resources to help staff develop in-demand and future-proofed skills. 

2. KPMG

KPMG Australia is part of a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. The firm places a strong focus on professional growth, investing in programs that support employees at every stage of their careers. 

The KPMG Eclipse Academy, supported with $20 million in funding, combines insights from thought leaders with practical, on-the-job experiences. The program helps employees gain transferable skills that are recognised by leading educational and professional institutions. It also gives staff the chance to collaborate with clients to solve real-world challenges. 

KPMG further supports development through postgraduate study assistance, including financial leave and targeted learning programs, along with covering professional membership fees. Employees also have access to international secondments, gaining exposure to global projects through overseas placements. 

3. Toyota

Toyota is Australia’s number one car brand by market share. The average tenure of team members at Toyota Australia is nine years, reflecting the company’s reputation as a dependable and supportive employer. 

At the heart of Toyota’s culture is kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement. This philosophy extends beyond their products and manufacturing to their employees, with learning and growth seen as pathways to success. 

Toyota offers a variety of learning and development opportunities, including a global content training program, company-sponsored training, inter-company transfers and on-the-job development. The promotions and rotations program allows employees to gain cross-functional experience across the business. 

Toyota also recognises the role that personal wellbeing plays in supporting professional success. They offer flexible roles, carers leave and on-site wellness facilities to help employees maintain balance while continuing to grow. 

4. CSIRO

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary science and technology organisations. Their Victorian sites conduct scientific and industrial research across various sectors, including manufacturing, food innovation and infrastructure. 

CSIRO places a strong emphasis on career growth and professional development.  

Staff are encouraged to take five dedicated development days each year, which can include work experience, networking, coaching, mentoring or participation in formal programs. Opportunities for secondments and guidance from leaders help staff build experience and prepare for career growth. 

They also offer a range of learning opportunities and resources to support growth. Employees can build expertise through mentoring, job shadowing, buddy programs and the ON national accelerator program for breakthrough research ideas. Additionally, access to extensive eLearning and scientific journals further support continuous development. 

5. NAB 

The National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of Australia’s major banks, offering a full range of banking and financial services. NAB’s has a major presence in Melbourne with two significant locations in the CBD and Docklands. 

NAB staff have access to a variety of development opportunities, including programs, tools, technologies and communities of practice. Signature programs include Career Qualified in Banking, a globally recognised professional accreditation, and Distinctive Leadership, a world-standard program that equips leaders to manage and develop their teams. Individual Development Plans help team members understand how they’re performing, which skills to build and how to succeed in both their current and future roles. 

There’s further support for learning with study assistance and study leave, helping employees gain qualifications or deepen knowledge to meet the demands of the global workplace. 

From banking and professional services to automotives and scientific research, these Melbourne organisations invest in their people to build skills, confidence and long-term career success. 

At AIB, we share the same commitment to career growth. Our online MBA can equip you with practical skills and strategic insight to advance in your current role or pursue new opportunities. If you want to learn more, download our brochure today.