August 22, 2019
Alcoa boosts employment opportunities for Karnet inmates
Inmates at Karnet Prison Farm are being given the opportunity to increase their employment prospects on release from jail thanks to a six-year partnership involving Alcoa and its contractor Piacentini and Son.
The program provides haul truck driver training, with two inmates recently completing the course and receiving a certificate in Heavy Duty Vehicle Operation.
Karnet Prison Farm is a minimum-security jail where inmates serve out the end of their sentences in what is largely seen as the gateway home.
Inmates can participate in rehabilitation programs including education and training courses. The focus is on building employability and work-related skills, education, training, life skills and programs to build resilience and self-esteem.
Huntly Bauxite Mine Acting Manager Simon Carr said Alcoa saw this as an opportunity to work in partnership with its close neighbour and support the community.
“Karnet is an important mining neighbour and we have the ability to support the goal of preparing inmates for successful reintegration into the community,” Mr Carr said.
“We can assist by equipping the trainees with skills that will increase their opportunities for employment after their release.”
“At Alcoa, one of our three core values is ‘Care for People’ and providing meaningful training is one way that we can positively impact our surrounding communities and support our neighbours.”
Karnet Superintendent Ray Edge has worked in the WA prison system for 25 years.
He said he was delighted by the initiative, which offered inmates a skill set that can be instrumental in them turning their lives around.
“Education, vocational training and employment are key components of successful reintegration, and the traineeship provides the participants with the potential to achieve all three.”
“The traineeships have become highly sought after, and the prisoners work hard to prove they’re ready when it’s time for recruitment,’” Ray said.
The partnership is in its sixth year and has had 100 per cent success rate in its trainees being deemed competent. Recruitment will begin shortly for the next traineeship which will commence in October this year.
To date, ten trainees have successfully completed traineeships conducted at Alcoa’s Huntly Bauxite Mine by Alcoa major contractor Piacentini & Son.
ENDS
Media contacts
Jane McGuire, Senior Communications Adviser, 0410 694 676 , jane.mcguire@alcoa.com
Mika Sangalli, Senior Communications Adviser, 0409 125 623 , mika.sangalli@alcoa.com
About Alcoa
Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since developing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented employees have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate. Visit us online on www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.