Alcoa summer jobs to bridge experience gap for university students

Shani Naidoo participated twice in Alcoa’s Vacation Student Program and is now employed in the company’s three-year Graduate Program.

Alcoa has more than 30 paid summer vacation jobs up for grabs for university students completing a relevant degree. Strengthening Alcoa’s training and development commitments, the placements will help students bridge the experience gap during the November 2021 to February 2022 summer holidays.

Eligible university students with initiative and ambition are encouraged to apply by 20 June 2021 for the 12-week Vacation Student Program.

Roles are available across a range of disciplines including automation, chemical, mechanical, electrical, process control, civil and mining engineering; chemistry; environmental studies; health and safety; occupational hygiene; finance; and software development.

Offering a unique insight into Alcoa’s Western Australian bauxite and alumina operations, the established program enabled University of Western Australia graduate Shani Naidoo to join the company’s workforce not once but twice.

The Mandurah resident participated in the program across two summer holidays while studying for her Master of Professional Engineering, specialising in Mechanical Engineering.

Shani donned both a high-vis shirt and steel cap boots to work at the Pinjarra Alumina Refinery and business attire for Alcoa’s Booragoon head office.

Looking back on her placements, Shani recognised both the technical and interpersonal benefits of the program.

“I was exposed to so many development opportunities across operations while working alongside highly experienced people,” Shani said.

“I loved that there was opportunity to engage in the technical aspects of both fixed plant and heavy mobile equipment. And I was able to listen to people’s stories, learning from their experiences and career journey, which enriched my university learnings.

“My experiences at Alcoa were so positive I applied for and was successful in securing a place in the company’s three-year Graduate Program which I started this year.

“I can’t speak highly enough about Alcoa’s commitment to continual learning, innovation and sustainability. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend applying for the vacation program.”

Vacation students will be required to travel to and from site each workday. 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. Students will be paid for these full-time roles.

Alcoa will welcome applications for the Vacation Student Program until Sunday 20 June 2021. For more information and to apply visit www.alcoa.com/australia/vacstudents

ENDS


Media contacts:

• Jane McGuire, 0410 694 676, jane.mcguire@alcoa.com
• Trish Miller, 9316 5817, trish.miller@alcoa.com