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April 18, 2008
An ACTION packed day out for girls!
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Alcoa employees from Point Henry have joined BacLinks and a host of other local industries to address the skills shortage in the Geelong region by promoting careers in trades to women.
The Alcoa Foundation is a major partner of this event and along with financial support, Alcoa Point Henry is providing 8 volunteers to assist in mentor and marshalling roles at the event.
The Girls’ Big Day Out is a day long event that involves year 9 female students from local schools participating in a range of hands-on trade experiences, focusing on non-traditional roles.
It has been identified that there are very real trade skill shortages in the Geelong region and an urgent need to market careers in the trades sector and, in particular, to target girls. This event is designed to impact on girls’ career choices and assist with the deficit of women in non-traditional roles.
The Alcoa funding and volunteer activity is part of the Alcoa Foundation’s ACTION program.
ACTION (Alcoans Coming Together in Their Neighbourhoods) is a program developed by the Alcoa Foundation to recognise the collective efforts of Alcoans in communities where they live and work. The Foundation rewards initiatives where 10 or more Alcoans choose to volunteer their time working together on a special community project or activity. Each Alcoa Foundation project not only receives over 50 hours of labour, but a US$3000 cheque to assist in sustaining their services into the future.
Alcoa Point Henry Acting Operations Manager Stewart Esdale said that ACTION grants were an important part of Alcoa’s commitment to building stronger communities. “Encouraging and supporting our employees to volunteer is a key part of our commitment and it is great to see so many of them helping out at this event,” he said.
“Volunteering not only benefits this event, but also our employees who get the opportunity to learn more about their community and to contribute in a practical way. Alcoa values the volunteer efforts of our employees and their families and is very glad to be able to work in partnership with BacLinks with their valuable work.” Mr Esdale said.
BacLinks Manager Sheree Holdsworth said she was delighted with the grant and volunteer support. “The collaboration between Alcoa, the Alcoa Foundation and other industries in supporting this event shows how real and positive outcomes can be achieved for our community. Industry involvement also ensures that the Girls are receiving the right messages in relation to trade career pathways.”
The Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. With more than $410 million invested since its inception in 1952, Alcoa Foundation has positioned itself as a source of positive community change and enhancement. Out of that legacy has emerged a set of strengths and competencies that reflect community aspirations and needs around the world.
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