Alcoa welcomes next generation of apprentices

Alcoa 2020 apprentices have a hands-on learning day at the Mandurah TAFE workshop.

Twenty-eight men and women have secured a place in Alcoa’s highly sought-after apprenticeship program, which attracted some 2000 applications, the highest number in the program’s history.

The 2020 recruits will develop skills in Electrical Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitting, Metal Fabrication or Heavy-Duty Mechanics, equipping them with valuable skills and experience to launch their careers.

Alcoa Australia Vice President Operations, Michael Gollschewski welcomed the new employees, noting that Alcoa’s apprenticeship program had long been a valued first step in the careers of many young people.

“Investing in training and development supports Alcoa’s future workforce needs and supports the industry more generally, with many apprentices going on to secure work with other employers,” Mr Gollschewski said.

“This year we have increased the number of apprentices joining our business. We have also improved the gender balance of this new cohort, with almost half of the roles being awarded to young women which supports our efforts to ensure our workplace is diverse and inclusive.”

Mandurah local, Gypsie Jacob, who will undertake her Electrical and Instrumentation apprenticeship at Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery, said she was inspired to apply to join the program following her 25^th birthday.

“Instrumentation was something I wanted to pursue when I finished school, but not many women were doing it,” Gypsie said.

“I was attracted to work for Alcoa because they are an industry leader. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some impressive companies, so I was really looking for this quality in an employer.

“It is a bonus that Alcoa is local to where I live. I have family and friends who work here, who talk about their job satisfaction and have a really wonderful work life balance,” Gypsie said.

The new apprentices will undergo a comprehensive induction process before going into the field, with a strong focus on safety and skills training to help prepare for the program.

“So far the apprenticeship has taught us how important safety is. It really surprised me how focused this company is on keeping its employees safe,” Gypsie said.

Six apprentices will be based at Kwinana Alumina Refinery, eight at Pinjarra Alumina Refinery, five at Wagerup Alumina Refinery, five at Huntly Bauxite Mine and four at Willowdale Bauxite Mine.

Alcoa has a proud history and commitment in training generations of skilled tradespeople. We have trained a developed more than 2000 apprentices, trainees and graduates since 1963.

Applications for Alcoa’s 2021 apprentice intake open in June this year. For more information on Alcoa’s apprenticeship opportunities visit www.alcoa.com/apprenticeships

ENDS

Media contact: Cheri Tiglias, Corporate Affairs Adviser, 0450 393 651, cheri.tiglias@alcoa.com