September 19, 2019
Strong family ties for Alcoa’s Pinjarra Refinery
When Port Kennedy resident Chris Hind commenced work at Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery 12 years ago, he did not think he would one day share the workplace with his two daughters.
Chris, a Production Group Leader, immigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1986. When accepting the job with Alcoa he knew a long-term career with the company would provide a good life for his family.
“I knew if I worked hard we would have a good quality of life, but I didn’t realise the flow on benefits that the job and Alcoa would provide my children,” Chris said.
Chris encouraged his daughters Jen and Kristie to consider careers in the mining and resource sector. Both women returned to TAFE to complete their Certificate II in Process Plant Operations and now work together at Pinjarra Refinery.
Having worked at the refinery for ten months, Falcon resident Kristie said she’s been on a steep learning curve and does not need to go to the gym after a hard day’s work.
“I was a Teacher’s Aide before I came to Alcoa. It was a very challenging job, but in different ways to that of a Process Operator which is both mentally and physically demanding.”
Furnissdale-based Jen, who previously worked as a clerk, has been a Process Operator at the refinery for two years. She believes going to TAFE was the best way to get such a role.
“There’s only so much you can take from a job description,” Jen said.
“Learning about the different facets of the job is really eye-opening. It’s more complicated than people think.”
As is to be expected, Chris is very proud of his daughters.
“It’s wonderful to see them thriving in this environment; it’s industrial, it’s male-dominated and they’re helping change the mindset associated with women working in the industry,” he said.
“Alcoa is a good strong company with a great reputation and job security. It’s nice as a parent to know your kids will have successful careers.”
In the past ten years, nearly 60 people have graduated from Alcoa’s 18-month nationally-accredited traineeship program, which includes TAFE studies and earns participants a Certificate II and III in Process Plant Operations. The last trainee recruitment campaign saw Alcoa employ nearly 60 per cent females into this program, with most of the trainees going on to work permanently with Alcoa.
For more information about Alcoa’s talent entry programs visit www.alcoa.com/opportunities-aus.
ENDS
Media contact
Stephanie Gardner, Community Relations Officer, 9531 6240, stephanie.gardner@alcoa.com
Editor’s note
Alcoa of Australia (Alcoa) has a proud history in Australia which it hopes to continue by remaining internationally competitive, attracting ongoing investment and providing jobs for future generations.
• Alcoa has been contributing to Australia’s economy since 1963, investing more than $12 billion over 56 years.
• More than 65 per cent of Alcoa’s total annual revenue stays in Australia through wages, local purchasing, taxes, royalties, capital investment and dividends to Australian shareholders.
• Alcoa employs more than 4,275 people in Australia. About 3,750 live in WA.
• In our 56 years, Alcoa has taken on more than 2000 apprentices, trainees and graduates.
• Alcoa invested $1.7 billion with Australian suppliers in 2017.
• Alcoa paid $654 million in Australian wages, salaries and associated benefits in 2017.
• Alcoa paid $400 million in State, Federal and Local government taxes and royalties in 2017.
• Alcoa made $4.2 million in community contributions in 2017.
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.