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​The SAP talent market in Australia has always been competitive, but in recent years the challenge has intensified. Demand for skilled consultants continues to rise, while the pool of available talent struggles to keep pace with a large percentage of the workforce nearing retirement age. Whilst recent market conditions have been mixed there is a clear skills gap developing across SAP technologies. 

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Graduate pathways are a critical part of solving this challenge. The consultants who enter graduate programs today are the ones who will carry projects forward in the future. Without a strong intake now, the future pipeline of talent risks running dry.

Graduate Programs: Where Do We Stand?

There are currently a handful of formal graduate pathways into SAP and ERP consulting in Australia:

• University Programs: Institutions such as Victoria University, Federation University/MIT, and the Education Centre of Australia offer postgraduate qualifications in enterprise systems, many with strong SAP partnerships. These programs provide technical training across modules like S/4HANA, SuccessFactors, and Analytics Cloud.

• Industry-Led Programs: SAP Australia runs its own graduate intake, offering roles in technology and consulting. Consulting firms such as Discovery Consulting continue to invest in SAP-focused graduate streams. RSM and others provide ERP-focused opportunities, though not exclusively SAP.

• Big Four Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG continue to run highly sought-after graduate programs. While broader in scope, they often include ERP and technology consulting rotations.

• Government STEM Pathways: Initiatives such as the Department of Defence STEM Cadetship Program and the STEM Stream Graduate Program provide students and graduates with structured employment opportunities and career development support. These are further reinforced by investments in programs like the Schools Pathways Program, which connects schools with the defence industry to spark early interest in STEM careers.

While these opportunities exist, the overall number of graduate pathways into SAP roles remains small compared to industry demand.

The Decline in Graduate Opportunities

Looking at the broader graduate market, there has been a noticeable decline:

• Graduate job postings in Australia are 20–30% lower than five years ago.

• Searches for graduate programs are also down, suggesting either fewer advertised opportunities or waning candidate confidence.

• SAP-specific commentary points to the sector being skewed towards mid- to late-career professionals, with limited room for graduates.

• At the global level, SAP’s shift towards AI and reskilling has also reduced emphasis on entry-level hiring.

This matters because it risks creating a bottleneck: without regular graduate intake, the next layer of mid-level talent simply won’t exist.

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Why We Need Graduate Programs More Than Ever

The business case for graduate programs is clear:

• Workforce continuity: Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s mid-level consultants. Without them, project delivery will stall in 2–4 years.

• Future skills: Demand for S/4HANA, cloud ERP, and AI-enabled solutions is only increasing. These technologies require fresh expertise that must be built now.

• Resilience: Relying on lateral hires or overseas talent is not a long-term solution. Local graduate programs ensure stability and capability within the Australian market.

• Retention and loyalty: Graduates who join through structured programs often show higher long-term commitment when supported and developed correctly.

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Speller's Role

At Speller International, we see first-hand the impact of the SAP skills shortage. We also know the importance of graduate programs in building the next generation of consultants.

That’s why this October we will be hosting Graduate Information Series designed to help students and recent graduates step confidently into a career in SAP and ERP. 

• Equipping graduates with insider knowledge

• Offering practical, actionable career advice

• Building stronger CVs and professional networks

• Supporting the future of Australia’s SAP & ERP workforce

Our aim is to ensure the Australian SAP ecosystem doesn’t just survive the skills challenge but thrives in the decade ahead.

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In Conclusion: Building the Pipeline

If you’re a recent graduate or know someone who is, get in touch today to register your interest in our Graduate Information Series. Or, if you’re a employer and see the benefit of our Graduate Information Series and what to lend your voice and experience for the next generation of SAP/ERP consultants get in touch to see how we can form a partnership.

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