January 31, 2017

Alcoa welcomes 25 new apprentices

Apprentices 2017 intakeThis year Alcoa welcomed 25 new apprentices to its Western Australian refining and mining operations, with the group currently undertaking small projects to equip them with the confidence and basic workshop skills required to begin the four-year apprenticeship.

The apprentices will complete training programs in the fields of Electrical Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitting and Heavy Metal Fabrication; with a further 36 weeks off-the-job training.

General Manager WA Refining Operations Simon Pascoe said, “In the current business climate I am pleased we can continue to support the next generation of tradespeople, providing them with high quality training to lay the foundation for their future career.

“We had more than 1600 applications for the 25 positions and the qualifications and skills possessed by the final applicants exceeded our expectations.

“I am very confident these young people will make the most of this opportunity and wish them every success in their training.”

Six apprentices will be based at Kwinana Refinery, nine at Pinjarra Refinery, five at Wagerup Refinery, three at Huntly Mine and two at Willowdale Mine.

Since the program’s inception in 1963, more than 1600 apprentices have received training at Alcoa’s operations in WA. This represents a significant investment by Alcoa in the local community and directly supports the development of trade skills in the State.

Alcoa’s widely-renowned apprenticeship program typically draws its candidates from communities surrounding its operations, particularly the Peel and South West regions, to support the delivery of training and development opportunities for young people in the area.

For more information on Alcoa’s apprenticeship opportunities visit www.alcoa.com/apprenticeships

ENDS

Media contact: Cheri Hodgson, cheri.hodgson@alcoa.com.au 9557 4163