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September 20, 2007
Alcoa Intalco Works Launches New Apprentice Program
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The Alcoa Intalco Works aluminum smelter in Ferndale, Washington today announced a new apprentice training program for Industrial Millwrights and Electricians. Alcoa Intalco Work, in partnership with Bellingham Technical College, has been awarded a $60,000 Job Skills Program grant to boost this new program.
Plant Manager Mike Rousseau said that the tight job market meant that employers were required to implement a range of solutions for the employment challenges of today and the future.
"Alcoa has a strong culture of offering training and professional development opportunities to its employees which is one of the reasons why we have chosen to offer this opportunity to current employees," Mr. Rousseau said.
"It is wonderful to be in this position of investing in the future of our plant through investment in our people. We are delighted also to have the grant to assist and thank the State for its generosity and ongoing support."
This new two-year program has been developed in partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM&AWU). It includes a theoretical component which is being provided by Bellingham Technical College. The employees will earn college credits for these courses to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology from the College.
"The Electro-Mechanical degree program is an example of Bellingham Technical College's responsiveness and collaborative nature. Working with Alcoa Intalco Works and labor representatives the College has tailored an educational program to prepare this workforce to meet new standards and challenges and strengthen our region's economic vitality," said Patricia McKeown, VP of Instruction.
Mr. Rousseau said Alcoa was pleased to be continuing its partnership with Bellingham Technical College.
"We have enjoyed enormous support from the college in recent years. The college, like the Whatcom community at large has helped Intalco grow our operation and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to continue the partnership with the new apprentice program," he said.
Alcoa Intalco Works previously offered a similar program but was curtailed in 2001 due to the NW energy crisis.
The facility doubled aluminum output in February 2007 after operating only one of its three potlines for a number of years. The plant currently employees around 630 people, with around 200 employed in the last ten months.
Despite the already significant increase in employees, the plant continues to recruit production and qualified craftspeople.
"Recruiting skilled craftspeople has been particularly challenging in the current climate. It is no secret that the recruitment pool is limited and there are a number of other industries also recruiting people into these professions," Mr. Rousseau said.
For more information about employment opportunities at Alcoa Intalco Works, please contact Worksource Whatcom at 360-676-1521.
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