Near record group of apprentices kick start their career

A bumper number of apprentices are kicking off their career with Alcoa this year as the aluminium producer records more than a 60 per cent increase in its annual intake of inspiring skilled tradespeople.

Alcoa Australia Vice President of Operations Rob Bear said the decision to take on a total of 39 apprentices this year demonstrated a commitment to helping train and develop the future skilled workforce.

A total of 36 of the new apprentices are working across Alcoa’s two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in the Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West areas of Western Australia. Another three are working at the company’s aluminium smelter in Portland, Victoria.

They bring the total number of apprentices across Alcoa’s Australia operations to about 110. Over its 60 years of operation in Australia, Alcoa has trained more than 2,500 apprentices, trainees, and graduates.

The new starters will complete one of five nationally recognised trades being mechanical fitting, heavy duty plant mechanic, fabricator/welder, electrical instrumentation technician or light vehicle mechanic.

Mr Bear said as well as gaining first-class training, the apprentices would receive industry competitive remuneration and enjoy working and living locally.

“Almost half this new cohort are young women, which showcases our continued commitment to building a safe, diverse, and rewarding work environment,” he said.

Gaydou-Esther Beyan, from Wellard, said she was excited to take on a mechanical fitter apprenticeship at Kwinana Alumina Refinery.

"I am a very hands-on person so mechanical fitting is the perfect job for me,” Ms Beyan said.

“I applied specifically with Alcoa because they are big on safety, which is very important as I want to know I can get home to my family every night.”