Alcoa bridges student ‘experience gap’ with vacation placements

Rebecca Boni during her vacation placement at Alcoa

It takes more than a university degree to get a job these days, with life and work experience an important enabler. Alcoa is helping students bridge the ‘experience gap’ by offering more than 30 paid vacation placements during the November 2019 - February 2020 holidays.

Eligible university students with a strong academic record, initiative and ambition are strongly encouraged to apply before Monday 17 June for the 12-week Vacation Student Program.

Roles are available across a range of disciplines including chemical, mechanical, electrical and mining engineering; chemistry; environmental studies; communications; health and safety; human resources; data and research science; accounting and finance; and software development.

Offering a unique insight into Alcoa’s Western Australian bauxite and alumina operations, the established program recently enabled Curtin University public relations student Rebecca Boni to join the company’s workforce.

Rebecca donned a high-vis shirt and steel cap boots to join the communications and community relations team at the company’s Huntly bauxite mine near Pinjarra.

Talking about the placement Rebecca said it was an invaluable opportunity which provided practical experience essential for securing a job in her chosen profession.

“Applying for Alcoa’s vacation program was the best thing I could have done,” Rebecca said.

“Being at university is one thing, but to get ‘real world’ experience, and with a reputable company, has given me a genuine head start in my career. In fact I’ve secured a three-month contract with Alcoa.”

During the three-month Vacation Student Program, students will work alongside some of the industry’s most talented professionals, increase networks and knowledge and get an insight into where their degree could lead them.

Vacation students will be required to travel to and from site each work day. Depending on the discipline this could be at any of Alcoa’s Western Australian locations which are within 130 kilometres of Perth’s central business district. Locations include Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines, Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup alumina refineries, and offices in Pinjarra and Booragoon.

Historically many vacation students have been viewed favourably for Alcoa’s competitive Graduate Program which has seen many graduates enjoy a successful career in the resources industry.

Alcoa will welcome applications for the Vacation Student Program until Monday 17 June 2019. For more information and to apply visit www.alcoa.com/opportunities-aus


ENDS


Media contacts:

• Jane McGuire, 0410 694 676, jane.mcguire@alcoa.com
• Mika Sangalli, 0410 774 424, mika.sangalli@alcoa.com